The new era., 1911-07-06
tpyl LIE ROY cApY. ynIv.r.ity Of MIN
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(By LIE ROY CADY. University OF Min
nesota)
The strawberry is probably the most
widely-grown fruit in the world. There
are varieties adapted to almost every
climate and condition, from Alaska to
Florida. Our cultivated kinds have
been developed from the Chilian straw
berry (Fragaria chilensis) and the
common wild strawberry (Fragarta
virginiana). The Alpine strawberry
tFragaria vesca) of Europe is the par
ent of the ever-bearing varieties which
are coming into prominence just now
IN some places. They, however. are
not as yet of sufficient value to de-
serve much attention. The strawberry
is one of the first fruits on the mar
ket in the spring. and hence is always
welcome.
The strawberry Is propagated by
seed, by division and by offsets. In
common with other fruits. the seeds
do not come .'true"--that is, do not re-
produce plants like the parent plant;
hence. division of the old crowns or
the use of offsets afford the only prac-
ticai methods OF propagation.
new varieties. The berries are crushed
in sand as soon as ripe. to get rid of
the pulp and juice. and the seed Is
then sown at once in sandy loan, in
box or open bed. The plants grow
very quickly. AS soon as large enough.
they are transplanted to bed, four
inches apart, and left over winter.
They should be mulched with about
six inches Of hay or straw, as soon as
the ground freezes-p In the spring they
may be set in the fruiting bed. About
one plant in thousand may prove of
exceptional value. However, many peo-
pie find pleasure in developing new
varieties.
Division Of the old plants is never
used except in case OF a very choice
variety, that cannot readily be propa-
gated by Offsets, 1t is too uncertain
and slow = method. Propagation by
Offsets or runners Is the best method.
These runners are made during the
summer, and the next spring may be
separated from the old plant and set
out in the permanent bed. Usually
these root readily; II they do not. a
little earth may be thrown over the tip
early in summer. to aid in roofing.
A, northern slope is to be preferred
as the plants do not start 80 early in
the spring. They thus escape the early
frosts and they are not SO likely to be
dried out by the hot south and south
west winds at fruiting time. Many
growers, however. obtain good results
on southern slope in spite of the dis
advantages. sss
Any land that will grow a good crop
Of corn will grow strawberries Sod
land should never be used Fit can be
prevented, asflit is likely to contain
grubs and cut-worms, which will eat
off the roots of newly-set plants. A
welldrained, friable clay loan Is prob
ably best for strawberries-a soil that
warns up easily and yet will hold
sufficient moisture for the crop.
Strawberries require rich soil
hence it is we'll to thoroughly manure
the land that Is to be used for the
crop in the fall. and plow under from
four to six inches deep. In the spring
disk, drag and smooth thoroughly
This gives a loose soil in which to set
the plants, and firm subsoil to hold
the moisture, and yet open enough to
let the roots through.
The best time to set strawberry
bed is the early spring. as soon as the
land is in good condition and the
plants can be obtained. There is more
moisture as rule at that time; and
this, combined with the cool weather
of spring. gives better growing condi
uons than August planting Plants
may also be set in the fall. If extra at
tention and care are given them. 1t
does not pay to set the plants In dry
soil or in dry season, unless plenty
of water for irrigation purposes Is
available.
1t often happens that strawberry
plants are received in dry or weak
ened condition. or that the soil is not
ready for their planting. They may be
"heeled in" or temporarily planted in
some sheltered place, until they have
recovered or the land is ready to use.
Cut open the bundles in which the
plants are received, dip the roots into
muddy water, and set in rows close to-
gether. placing q little dirt between
the plants, SO that they will not heat
Pack the soil firmly over the roots, 90
they will not dry out. II the plants
bave been weakened In transit, they
should be shaded for few days until
<hey, recover. It IL we'll also to protect
i them from the wind.
The Illustration shows three ways OF