Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1914-04-09

t Morgantown.
manure in which the weed seeds have
been killed (weedy soils are expen-
sive) are the best forms Of fertilizer.
In addition to this an application OF
1000 pounds of a complete fertilizer
4-9-9 per acre will prove profitable.
Never put fertilizer in the hill.
Plants.
Buy the best one-year-old plants
(black roots indicate two-year-old
plants.) Purchase from the closest
reliable producer of plants and avoid
long shipments, which so often cause
entire loss by heating in transit. Have
them delivered early in April.
Planting
The hill and the ilatted-row sys'
tenn are the two most common
systems of growing the strawberry.
The former produces the fanciest Der
ries, while the latter develops the larg.
est crops with the least labor and eX'
pense. If the hill system is to be used,
the rows, for horse cultivating, should
be at least 80 inches apart and the
plants about IS inches apart in the
row, requiring 1850 plants per acre.
II planting by the matted-row system,
the rows should be about S12 feet
apart and the plants two feet apart in
the row, thus requiring 6,223 plants
per acre. With the plants on hand and
the soil thoroughly pulverized and
compacted by rolling or dragging, the
setting OF the plants may begin Take
the individual plants or punches,
straighten down the roots and with
sharp knife cut off the ends OF the
roots, leaving about three TO four
inches. Insert the narrow garden
spade or stiff trowel vertically into the
ground, move the handle to the right
and the hole is made. Having removed
all injured and diseased leaves and run
ners, place the roots in the opening
made as described, shake the roots out
into a fan shape (never leave wadded
up in bunch), remove the troWel and
insert about three inches TO the right
of the first opening, pressing back to
the left This insures the bottom part
of the hole bling filed. Then compact
with the feet and the plant is set.
When set it should not be so deep as
to cover the end bud nor so shallow as
to expose the roots, but just deep
enough to leave the crown on a level
with the surface. This will leave the
bud we'll above the ground and will
prevent smothering.
Cultivation.
From the time plants are set,
cultivation should be given to con-
serve moisture and control weeds.
AS soon after each rain as the soil can
be worked without pudding, the cult
vator and hoes should be at work.
Keep all runners cut off until the last
of May, to induce strong development
of the mother plant About the first
Of June allow the new plants to be-
come established. This is the time to
assist nature in the distribution OF the
plants. Keep them from getting too
close together by directing the run
ners, or cutting them of. Keep the
weeds and grass out throughout the sea-
son, and keep the plants growing The
plants will then be strong for the win
ter which follows and for the next sea-
sons crop.
Notice.: All who are growing small
fruits, or who are thinking OF starting
will do me a favor by writing letter,
giving varieties, soil, yield, cost OF pro-
duction, management, and profits. II
you have a promising Seeding, send
dozen plants to be tested in the variety
test.