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Bulletin 47

October, 1897

NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

STRAWBERRIES IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

Test of Varieties Notes from Growers Cultural Notes

Brandywine

J>-

•^'<,

Clyde

BY F. WM. RANE

NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE
OF

AGRICULTURE AND THE MECHANIC ARTS

DURHAM

NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE

OF

AGRICULTURE AND THE MECHANIC ARTS

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Durham, N. H.

BOARD OP^ CONTROL

Hon. FRANK JONES, Chairman, Portsmouth.
Hon. GEORGE A. WASON, New Boston.
CHARLES W. STONE, A. M., Secretary, Andover.
Hon. JOHN G. TALLANT, Pembroke.
Pres. CHAS. S. MURKLAND, ex-officio, Durham.

THE STATION COUNCIL

Pres. CHAS. S. MURKLAND, A. M., Ph. D., Acting Director.
FRED W. MORSE. B. S., Vice- Director and Chemist.
FRANK WM. RANE, B. Agr., M. S., Agriculturist and Horti-
culturist
CHARLES H. PETTEE, A. M., C. E., Meteorologist.
HERBERT H. LAMSON, M. D., Bacteriologist.
CLARENCE M. WEED, D. Sc, Entomologist.

ASSISTANTS

LEIGH HUNT, B. S., Assistant Agriculturist and Horticulturist.
CHARLES D. HOWARD, B. S., Assistant Chemist.
WILLIAM F. FISKE, Assistant Entomologist.
CLEMENT S. MORRIS, Clerk.

The Bulletins of this Station are sent free to any resident of Nevv Hampshire upon
application.

STRAWBERRY GROWING IN NEW HAMP-
SHIRE

BY F. WM. RANK

Of what value is the strawberry crop to the state of New
Hampshire? It has been our purpose to obtain data along this
line during the past season. After much inquiry, travel, and
study in the interest of tiie strawberry, we have concluded to
present the following bulletin, believing it will be somewhat
helpful in bringing this very deserving fruit into still higher
favor.

Although strawberries can be found upon our markets
much earlier than we can raise them, and at very moderate
prices, it does not seem to hurt the markets for our own fruit.
People purchase sparingly of these early fruits, waiting for
those that are home-grown for the festivals and canning period.
There is a certain loyalty to home-grown fruits. Eaten in
season they are better relished and more wholesome.
" There can be no question but that the strawberry is a paying
crop in the northern part of the state, when properly handled.
They are late, thus coming when others are not available.

Experiments with this fruit were begun at this station one
year ago the past spring, when fifty-four varieties were selected
and planted in our trial grounds. The plants were given only
ordinary care. During the fruiting period we were visited by
many strawberry growers, who pronounced the test of great
value.

STRAWBERRY GROWING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE 93

NOTES ON THE FIRST YEAR S TESTS AT THE EXPERIMENT

STATION

During the past season we fruited fifty-four varieties. Tlie
list selected was thought to contain the cream of the varieties
grown. The soil is a sandy loam, fairly fertile, and at a
medium elevation. The ground was not prepared until the
previous spring, at wliich time a turf was turned under, and a
good dressing of complete commercial fertilizer applied and
harrowed in. At least one dozen plants of each variety were
set in rows three and one-half feet apart and eighteen inches in
the row. They were trained to the mediiun matted row
system. They made only a fair growth chuing 1S96, a number
being unable to set sufficient plants to promise an average yield
this season. The mulch used was pine needles. Data has
been taken of all varieties, but witli a few exceptions will be
reserved until the results from the same varieties are taken
another season. A new bed was set last spring, containing a
row of each of the fifty-four varieties, and as the season as well
as the ground has been more favorable, we expect to be able to
report more in detail another year. •■

The first general picking of varieties was made on July 2d,
at which time the photographs shown in Figures 3 and 4 were
taken. Each box shows the comparative quantity of fruit from
one picking, as well as general cliaracter and size. Figures 5
and 6 contain the remaining varieties, taken July 7th.

Leaf Blight was very common and troublesome. While all
varieties are subject to it, some succumb much more readily
than others, although handled and treated similarly. It was
thought that tiie percentage of blight as affecting each variety
upon our trial grounds would be of interest ; consequently data
were taken as given in Table i.

Table I also has been woiked up by Mr. A. Z. Norcross,
a student in the agricultural course, to show other general
characteristics of eacli of the varieties as they have appeared in
our test, as (i) character of foliage and size of leaf, (2) ability
to propagate itself by means of runners, (3) ability to form a
matted row, and (4) general remarks.

Fig. 3- — Varieties. Photographed July 2, 1897.
Bubach. Warfield. Bisel.

Crescent. Cyclone. Saunders.

Greenville. Barton's Eclipse. Splendid.

I-ovett. Beverly. Berlin.

Fig. 4. — Varieties. Pliotographed July 2, 1897.
Enormous. Beede No. i. Clyde.

Fountain. Tuffs. Enhance.

Gardner. World's Champion. Haverland.

Homestead. Wm. Belt. Ivanhoe.

96

STRAWBERRY GROWING IX NEW HAMPSHIRE

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Fig. 5. — Varieties. Photograpl.ed July 7, 1897.

Parker Earle. Leviathan. Leader.

Brandywine. Marshall. Princess.

Brunette. Champion of England. Princeton Chief.

Cyclone. Mineoln. Woolverton.

Fig. 6. — Varieties. Photugiaplied July 7, 1897.

Timbrell.

Lady Thompson.

Brooks Seedling.

Jewel.

Rio.

Paris King.

Gaudy.

Jessie.

Columbian.

Bouncer.

Jers;y Queen.

Fremont

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Glen Mary.

CumbsrJand.

Eleanor.

lOO STRAWBEHRV GROWING IN NKW HAMPSHIRE

DESCRII'TIVE NOTES ON POPULAR VARIETIES

Beverly (perfect flower). — Medium to large fruit, of good
form and color. Plant vigorous, heavy foliage, and sets many
runners. The berries are large at the beginning of the season,
but do not seem to hold out well. This variety is very well
known by all growers in the state.

Bra7tdy-vine. — This is a perfect flowering variety, which
seems to be gaining favor wherever it has been thoroughly tried.
On our grounds during the past season it proved to be one of
the best^iedium to late sorts. The general opinion of growers
is that akhough it does not excel in productiveness, its other
good qualities make it valuable. While it does not yield as
heavily as some of the medium early varieties, it equals the late
sorts, and surpasses most varieties in size, color, and general
appearance. Tlie plants are very vigorous, large, set plenty of
runners, and fruit freely. The berries are very large, and of
regular, broad, conical form ; bright glossy red in color, which
extends to the center ; flesh firm and excellent in quality. The
fact that it is a perfect flowering variety together with tl-re other
good qualities named gives it a prestige which renders it
worthy of a general trial.

Brunette (perfect). — Large, healthy leaves, but sets few
plants. Berry, medium to large, uniform and regular; color,
dark red ; form, conical to roundish ; season, second early.
Not very productive this season.

Bubach (pistillate). — This variety is considered very valu-
able and is commonly grown. The objection to it is that it
sets few plants. Where given the best of attention it responds
liberally. It is well adapted to hill culture. The berry is
large, broad conical and sometimes flattened in form ; color
scarlet, fair quality, season medium.

Clyde (perfect). — A promising new variety. It showed up
well in the test this season ; plants vigorous ; berries medium
to large, fairly firm, good quality ; form, conical regular, uni-
form ; color, light scarlet with a whitish center. Leaf medium ;
sets many runners, makes a well formed matted row, and is
little troubled with blight. Foliage stands erect; berries are
about tlie riglit size, maintaining it throughout the season.

DESCRIPTIVE NOTES ON POPULAR VARIETIES lOI

The only drawback to the variety is on account of color and
perhaps firmness. It deserves a trial.

Crescent (pistillate). — An old standard variety still planted
extensively. Berry small, bright scarlet, moderately firm, fair
quality ; form, conical. Ripened first on June 32d and ex-
tended over a long season. Productive.

Greenville (pistillate). — A popular variety in this state.
Berry large, dark red, medium firm, fair quality; form, broad
conical. Medium leaf, loosely matted row, little blight, season
second early.

Haverland (pistillate). — An old variety still commonly
grown, but discarded by many on account of softness. Good
for a market near at hand. Plants were medium size and
formed a loosely matted row ; leaf medium, dark green, with
long stems ; berry, large, long conical. It was productive and
healthy during the past season.

Lovett (perfect flower) . — A variety grown by most growers
and valuable as a fertilizer of such varieties as Crescent and
Haverland. Berry large, firm, good quality; form, long coni-
cal ; color, bright red. Plants strong, healthy, and productive.
Runners comparatively few during the past season, leaf medium,
very little blight.

Marshall (perfect). — From a two years test this variety has
shown itself to be hardy, vigorous, and fairly productive.
Berry, large to very large, medium firmness, high quality ;
form, rather irregular; color, deep red. A very desirable
amateur variety. It lacks in texture and productiveness,
causing many to discard it. For a fancy trade it is well worthy
of consideration.

Parker Earle (perfect). — The berry was small and not up
to its reputation this season ; probably our ground was not rich
enough. It is generally conceded to be a very valuable late
variety when given high culture and plenty of moisture.

Warjield (pistillate). — A popular variety in the state. Has
a compai-atively long fruiting season, makes numerous runners
which need thinning, and requires plenty of moisture to get
best results. Berry medium to large, firm, good quality ; form,
conical ; color, crimson. Generally liked.

I02 STRAWBERRY GROWING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

II

NOTES FROM LOCAL GROWERS.

During the strawberry season we made it a point to visit and
procure data from many of our local growers. Accordingly,
Mr. George F. Beede's place at Fremont was visited by my-
self; and afterwards, Mr. Hunt, my assistant, visited and
obtained the data herein given from the following named
growers: Messrs. J. C. Piper, Stratham ; G. S. Tuttle, Bar-
rington ; James Hayes & Son, Dover; George D. McDuften,
Dover; Mr. C. B. Flanders, Concord; VV. H. Allen and
G. A. Tripp, Dover. This is only a partial report of a few of
the leading growers. It is hoped that all other strawberry
specialists will favor us with their addresses.

The growing of strawberries is a question which we have
found the growers carefully studying each for his own good.
Although there are some minor differences as to the varieties,
due perhaps to the surrounding conditions, yet as to the
fundamental principles of the care and management, all are in
unison. In interviews with many leading growers in different
parts of the state, they have given their methods of cultivation,
which have aided us very materially in reaching general con-
clusions on strawberry culture throughout the state.

Strawberries have been most successfully grown on a rich
clay loam which has had a liberal application of barnyard
manure or commercial fertilizer ; yet in some instances it ap-
pears that too much has been added and the plants have sacri-
ficed fruit for foliage. However, it is our opinion that on most
of the strawberry land the application of manure will greatly
aid in the productivity of the plants. Strawberries are known
to require considerable moisture, and unless it is found natur-
ally in the soil it must be applied, in order tliat the plants may
be in a vigorous state of growth until after fruiting time. If
the plant is small and weak it cannot be expected to give the
amount of fruit that a vigorous one would. At the time of
setting and ripening of fruit a large amount of water is taken
up by the plants, and this, of course, has to be supplied by the
roots from the soil.

NOTES FROM LOCAL GROWERS IO3

Irrigation is very enthusiastically advocated by J. C. Piper
of Stratham, who says it has paid immensely ; the crop was
much larger and the berries were first class. Varieties like the
Crescent maintained their full size until the very last picking,
and all the fruit which set ripened into well-developed berries.
This may be a surprise to many growers, for it is known that
nearly all varieties become smaller towards the close of the
season.

The distances for planting depend upon the soil, growth of
the plant, and method of cultivation. Mr. Piper for a while
set his plants in rows three, three and one-half, and four feet
apart, but last seas'on beds were planted in which the plants
were fifteen inches apart, omitting each third row ; also others
where every fourth and every fifth row was omitted. No
runners were allowed to grow. G. S. Tuttle of Barrington
finds it best to set his plants three and one-half by seven feet
and placing two or three plants in each hill. The fields are
then cultivated both ways by horse power, and after a time the
plants are allowed to run, forming rows in which the hills are
seven feet apart. Every one of the growers visited is decidedly
in favor of clean cultivation. W. H. Allen of Dover says
thorough, clean culture upon soil liberally fertilized with a
light mulch for winter has given him good fruit every year ;
and this seems to express the sentiment of other growers
throughout the state.

Mulching through the winter meets with much favor, and in
connection with clean culture and irrigation has made a decided
change in the problem of strawberry raising. It has paid as
well as irrigation. A plot left unmulched last winter has not
yielded one-half the fruit of mulched areas. Although the
plants lived, the line of mulch was distinguishable at a distance
all through the season, — foliage was weak, pale, and scant ;
leaf and berry stalks short and weak; consequently but little
fruit.

As to the varieties, there is a difference of opinion and
always will be as long as berries are grown ; but the practical
growers quoted agree upon the merits of the following varieties :

(i.) Bubach, Crescent, Lovett, and Warfield.

(2.) Greenville, Haverland, and Beverly.

I04 STRAWBERRY GROWING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

(3.) May King, Sliarpless, Marshall, and Michel's Early.

Brandvwine and Clyde seem to be gaining general recognition.

Mr. Beetle is probably the veteran grower of the state, and is
recognized as an expert. He has produced some very good
seedlings. One hundred and fifty varieties is not an uncommon
number for him to grow. His market berries, however, are
always limited to a few varieties of his choice. We consider
ourselves fortunate in being able to present the following data,
which enables us to give a history of varieties during the past
five years.

iSq^ Report. — " Out of a great number of varieties tested this year twelve
proved to be very good, among which are the Beder Wood, ]5everly, Bubach,
Crescent, Haverland, and Warfield. Eureka was quite productive, but the
berries were very small and light colored. In the order named Beder Wood,
Warfield, Crescent, and Haverland were the earliest, Beverly and Parker
Earle the latest. The most profitable, Beverly, Warfield, and Crescent. The
most productive, Haverland and the last three named above. The largest in
size, Bubach, Beverly, and Barton's Eclipse. Out of a long list of novelties
and newer varieties which have proven very promising we have the Brandy-
wine, Cyclone, Greenville, and Marshall."

i8g4 Report. — " I need a good-sized, bright, showy berry, firm enough to
stand up and look well a day or two after picking. The following proved
best for me this season: Barton's Eclipse, Beverly, Bubach, Cyclone, Lovett's,
Parker Earle, and Warfield. I still plant Crescent and Wilson to a limited
extent for their productiveness, but they are too small to go in a selected list.
I have rejected Beder Wood for softness and small size in last pickings.
Haverland, I regret to say, must go on account of softness. For near market
it is one of the best, and must be included in a list of the best five for all pur-
poses. All things considered, Beverly, Bubach, Haverland, Lovett's, and
Warfield are the best five varieties. For the most profitable, Beverly and
Bubach are still in the lead as they are also the largest in size. Enhance,
Eureka, Great Pacific, and Shuster's Gem were productive, but too soft or
light colored. Swindle was very productive, late, firm, and good color, but
the foliage failed before all the berries ripened. Saunders, fine and pro-
ductive, better adapted to home use than for market. Seventy-nine others
were grown, but do not find them valuable enough to retain. Among them
are Gandy, Jessie, Jewell, Jucunda, Improved, May King, Michel's Early,
and Sharpless. Of the new varieties, those that are strong, vigorous growers,
with healthy foliage, are: Bisel, Carrie, Hunt's No. 3, Ivanhoe, Mary, Rio,
Robinson, Splendid, and Tennessee Prolific."

i8g^ Report. — "My strawberry crop the past season was more than an
average one. By a high location I nearly escaped the frosts in May, which
came after blossoming. Some of the most tender varieties were slightly
damaged. My beds were all heavily mulched with meadow hay. The ex-

NOTES FROM LOCAL GROWERS IO5

perimental beds of new varieties were very satisfactory in one respect, the
plants were in the best of condition, giving much value to a one year test.

" The test of another year shows no reason to change the select list, except-
ing two additions. Barton's Eclipse, Beverly, Bubach, Cyclone, Lovett's,
Parker Earle, and Warfield, with Brandywine and Greenville, proved best
this season. Beverly and Brandywine gave plenty of fine berries late in the
season, and they were sold in the market as late as July 15, and had plenty
for home use a week later. Rio and Afton were the most promising new
early varieties, though Afton is too small for market.

"After a second year's trial, Brandywine, Cyclone, Glen Mary, and Green-
ville, apparently, are good enough to go into the select list. Glen Mary and
Greenville are a little off in quality, though no poorer than Bubach or Haver-
land. They give such an abundance of large, showy berries, that they must
prove favorite varieties. Timbrel was large, very productive, and of best
quality, but not liked at home or in the market for its light and spotted color.
Berries in the shade were all pure white when ripe ; I have no use for it. All
other varieties tested the second year were not desirable."

i8g6 Report. — "The test of another year shows no reasons to change the
list of standard varieties. I shall discard Cyclone, Parker Earle, and War-
field from extensive planting : Cyclone for uncertain bearing, the others for
small size. I shall add Clyde, reserving the point of color for future testing ;
that is, I shall not set it very extensively if its color proves a serious fault.
It is described in most catalogues as dark red or dark scarlet, but it does not
show up that way here, and the rows are narrow, — eighteen inches wide.

" New beds were much injured by an open winter. Old beds, especially of
Beverly and Brandywine, were productive. My market for fruit is becoming
educated and I cannot, profitably, set many varieties of small size and poor
quality. For these reasons, Crescent, Parker Earle, Warfield, and Wilson of
standard varieties are discarded. Haverland is too soft for one to handle.
Varieties of large size like Bubach, Glen Mary, and Mary lack quality for my
customers. I want varieties good enough so there will be a call for them the
second time. Clyde is so large, perfect in form, firm and good quality, that
it will please all that get acquainted with it, but it will not be a berry that
will sell on sight like Belmont, Brandywine, and Marshall. This is my
opinion of Clyde for a fancy market. I know of no staminate variety more
productive, so I would advise all that want a good fertilizer for pistillate
varieties to give it a trial.

" I tested, in 1S96, for the first time about seventy-five varieties. Judging
from one season's trial, Clyde will easily be worthy of a place in the list of
select varieties. Annie Laurie, Aroma, and Brunette are desirable for home
garden. Gandy Belle (same as No Name and Isabella), Enormous, Paris
King, Fountain, and Staples have many points of value for market purposes,
but a few standard sorts are better. Ruby (No. 6), received for trial from
E. A. Riehi, Alton, 111., is worthy of thorough trial. Perfect plant, very large,
handsome fruit, fine color, quality, firm. Apparently not productive
enough for common market. See's No. i, from H. S. and A. J. See, Geneva,
Pa., is very early, and all right every way excepting size. It is too small to

ro6 STRAWBERRY GROWING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

be valuable. Seedling A, from Rev. E. B. Stevenson, Freeman, Ont., is of
more than average value."

i8g-j Report. — "Old beds, bearing the second year, were very productive.
New beds were good, especially Brandywine and Clyde. Heretofore I have
been inclined to think rust on the plant was wholly a weakness of the plant.
It is a well-known fact that some varieties, like Lovett and Clyde, never rust,
are, so to speak, rustproof. This season gave me a new lesson. All varieties
were free from rust ; even Wm. Belt was clear and healthy in leaf, and the
quantity of very large, fine fruit was equal to the most productive pistillate
varieties like Haverland, Warfield, and Bubach. The same with the staminate
varieties, Clyde, Lovett, and Beverly. Carrie (pistillate) seedling of Haver-
land was fine in every respect. For fine color, shape, and quality, I know of
no variety equal to Brandywine for my location, either for family use or fancy
market. The pickings are uniform, season late and long. The bushels at
the end of season tell the story.

" Beverly, Brandywine, Bubach, Greenville, Lovett's, and Warfield are the
leading varieties with me. Haverland, Barton's Eclipse, and many other pro-
ductive varieties prove too soft for my market. I picked Brandywine on
July 9th, a very hot day, sent to market the loth, the last of which were sold
the 14th and were in fine order.

" I tested for the first time this season Bismarck, Bouncer, Gulick's No. 7
and No. 8, Duncan, Howells, Hurlburt, Hayes' Eclipse, Anna Kennedy*
Ideal Oriole, Ocean City, Maxwell, Michigan, Sparta, and Tennyson.
Gulick's No. 7, excellent in all points; Sparta, not productive; Bismarck,
coarse and poor quality; Bouncer, similar to Miner's Prolific and Beverly, but
not so productive. We shall soon lose sight of the others.

"I have to fruit for the first time next season Hall's favorite, Margaret,
McKinley, Mele, Ridgeway, and Seaford.

" We have varieties of mid-season and late that are close to perfection. The
great lack is a very early variety. I had great expectations of Rio. It
blooms freely, is early, large, good color, firm, and best quality, but the
blossoms blight badly and give only two or three pickings."

Figures i, 2, 3, and 4 were all taken when visiting Mr.
Beede's place on July 2d, 1S97. Figure 2 is a cool, dark, well-
ventilated packing-shed. The berries are the Brandywine,
which Mr. Beede prizes very highly. They are shown just as
they come from the field without grading, all being above the
average size, highly flavored, firm, and of good color. He
grades them simply by tin'ning from one box into another,
picking out the small and inferior berries.

Should the reader desire further information on strawberry
growing from Mr. Beede himself, he is referred to a paper
presented before the Plowman's meeting in Boston, Feb. 29,
1896, published in the JSIassachusetts Plowman^ March 7, 1S96.

CULTURAL NOTES IO7

III

CULTURAL NOTES

This being the first bulletin from the station on the straw-
berry, the writer finds it necessary to discuss the cultural
directions in order to meet a number of inquiries already at
hand, as well as to place before others such information as is
likely to be desired.

The same general principles hold true in strawberry culture,
whether grown for home use or the market.

Soil and Fertilizer. — Strawberries do well on almost any
well-drained soil, reasonably fertile and at a fair elevation. A
friable clay loam gives the best results if properly managed.
Fall plowing, together with a liberal application of fertilizer
and thorough cultivation, ensures a greater degree of success.
There is little danger of making the soil too rich, the only pre-
caution being an understanding of the action of the commercial
fertilizers, as there are possibilities of injury when used in
large quantities close to the plant. A thoroughly well-rotted
manure is an ideal fertilizer, but where the soil contains plenty
of humus, as in the average garden, wood ashes and ground
bone give good results. Where wood ashes are not to be de-
pended upon, sulphate or muriate of potash will do as a substi-
tute, using a proportionately less amount (ordinarily one-tenth
as much). The soil having thus been plowed and mulched, it
is left in this condition until spring. The next step is to fit the
land to receive the plants, which is done with the cultivator,
harrow, and roller.

This plan is the one to be practiced at the station. Strawr
berries, however, are often planted at other seasons of the year,
August being considered by some the best month. What has
been said of the proper conditions of soil for the spring planting
applies equally well here. The soil should be in condition to
receive the plants early to ensure success. A good plan is to
use the land from which some hoed crop has been taken. The
soil is then in a fine degree of tilth. The white grub ( Lach-
nostertia fusca) and a few other insects are so frequently
troublesome where strawberries follow sod that few people ever

io8

STRAWBERKV GROWING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

practice it. The crop is usually preceded by some cultivated
crop such as corn, thus eliminating the trouble from both
insects and weeds. A crop of clover or other green manure
known to be free from these troubles will, when plowed under,
prove of great value to the crop. Coarse manure also may be
turned under with good results, provided it is applied early
enough to be well decomposed and mixed with the soil by
planting time. The objection to manure on account of its con-
tamination with weed seeds is easily overcome by better cultiva-
tion and preparation before planting.

Commercial fertilizers are commonly used for strawberries.
Where the crop is grown in the rich garden soil, the results are
quite marked ; but where grown on a field scale, they are not
as valuable as good barn-yard manures. No rule can be given
for the proper application of fertilizer per acre for successful
strawberry growing. Every soil is necessarily different from
every other as regards physical, mechanical, and chemical
properties. From study of the soil in question it is thought
that with the aid of the following table one can judge from
previous experience as to what should be considered a liberal
application.

The New York station recommends the following table of
fertilizers for the strawberry.*

For nitrogen ....

Phosphoric acid.

f (i). 150 to 300 lbs. nitrate of soda, applied during the

J growing season ; or

I (2). 125 to 250 lbs. sulphate of ammonia; or

[ (3). 250 to 500 lbs. dried blood.

( (1). 550 to 1 100 lbs. bone meal ; or

\ {-)■ 375 to 750 lbs. dissolved bone, etc ; or

( (3). 450 to 900 lbs. dissolved rock.

Potash

(r). 140 to 280 lbs. muriate; or
(2). 140 to 280 lbs. sulphate; or
(3). 550 to 1 100 lbs. kainit; or .
(4). 1400 to 2800 lbs. wood ashes.

Setting Plants. — The best time for setting the plants, as
stated, is in the early spring. By so doing the plants become
thoroughly established, and if given proper cultivation and
training usually ensure a maximum crop the following season.

'New York Agricultural Experiment Station, Bulletin No. 94, New Series.

CULTURAL NOTES

109

Fig. 7. Newly Set Plants (Geo. F. Beede).

On the other hand, plants started in pots in the spring are often
set out in late summer or early fall. Although this latter sys-
tem is quite a popular one, only from one-third to one-half the
crop is obtained the first season. Its advocates, however, show^
that by so doing, a previous hoed crop may be obtained. Pot-
grown plants cost more than the ordinary field-grown.

No plant needs more care in transplanting. The crown
should be on a level with the soil, no lower, no higher; the
roots should not be allowed to get dry. Dip them in water
when they begin to get dry. Trim the roots back at least one-
third and spread them fan shape when setting, filling in gradu-
ally ; firm well.

Distance apart to set plants depends npon how they are to
be trained. — There are two methods of setting out strawberry
plants commonly practiced, each of which depends upon the
proposed system of training. These are (a) Hill culture,
which, as the term implies, consists in growing each plant by
itself in a hill, not allowing the runners to grow or flowers to

I lO STRAWBERRY GROWING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

set the first season. This causes each plant to become stalwart
and large, and where properly grown are very productive the
following year. The plants are usually set in rows three feet
apart and one foot apart in the row. This method is little used
by commercial growers on account of its requiring too much
time to keep off the runners. Where one has a small garden
and desiies to make a fine display, hill culture will prove of
value.

{b) Matted rows. This is the method commonly used by
commercial growers. The plants are set in rows varying from
three to four feet apart, and from fifteen to eighteen inches
apart in the row. When the runners start they are either
placed or allowed to run at will. When well set they form a
continuous matted row. The grower can suit himself as to
just how wide the row should be and train accordingly. After
having blocked out the row, cut off the runners to keep them
within bounds. When the row is about twelve inches wide it
is termed the Narrow Matted Row, and when about double
that width, the Wide Matted Row. To get the finest berries
the runners should be thiimed out at some time during the sea-
son. It is a good practice to do this after the rows are formed
for fear that drouth, insects, etc., may assist. Where plants
are fall set, comparatively few runners form. The plants
should not set any fruit the season they are transplanted, which
is prevented by picking the flower clusters.

Beariftg Period. — Just how long a bed should be kept in
bearing seems to be a disputed question. Commercial growers
are generally agreed that from the dollar and cent standpoint,
more is made from the fruit of the first season than any other.
It is larger, plants are less troubled with insect enemies and
diseases, and it costs less to plant a new than clean out an old
bed. While this is generally advocated, it is not universally
followed, as many growers hesitate before turning under a
patch that looks well and promises fair returns for a second
crop. That the fruit of the second season is earlier has been
proved, also that the varieties fruit more readily ; but because
of their inferiority in size are less profitable.

The variety has a marked influence upon this question ; in
fact if some were not grown for two years, they would be dis-

CULTURAL NOTES III

carded without a fair trial. But with the majority, where the
berry is only of medium size the first season, as is tlie case with
many of our market varieties, it naturally follows that they will
be inferior the second year. Another reason for fruiting the
second and third seasons is to ensure a crop, as some years
plants do not set new runners abundantly.

Where the bed is retained it is necessary to clean out the
rows as soon as the last fruit is gathered, properly cultivating
the intervening soil. Some practice burning over the planta-
tion before cultivation. To do this mow off the tops of the
plants and burn. Rust, insects and old mulch are thereby
destroyed. This is done as early as possible to give the plants
an opportunity to form new leaves and fit themselves for
winter. While this method is often successful more experience
is required to manage the plants than with the renewal system.

Mulching. — It is necessary to protect strawberry plants with
some material during the winter to prevent trouble from freez-
ing and thawing. The plants are perfectly hardy and capable
of withstanding freezing, but some soils are liable to heave ;
and the mulch lemedies this. It serves not only to prevent
heaving but in fruiting time to keep the berries clean, and to
conserve moisture. It is usually applied as soon as the ground
freezes sufficiently to bear up a wagon and team. The mate-
rial varies in different places, that most easily obtained at a
minimum price ordinarily being used. Coarse manure, marsh
hay, pine needles, pine boughs, clean wheat straw, leaves
where held in place with, some other material, etc., are the
most common. Just what to recommend is a question, depend-
ing upon the nature of the soil, etc. Always avoid a mulch
containing weed seeds, as it often costs as much to clean out
the weeds as it would to purchase the more expensive material.
In the spring the mulch may be left between the rows or drawn
off, giving an opportunity for cultivation. Ordinarily, how-
ever, experience would say not to remove it, as it serves to
retain moisture.

Perfect and Imperfect Flowers. — It is a matter of import-
ance that all strawberry growers know the difference between
these two classes of flowers. The perfect or bi-sexual blossoms
contain stamens or male organs and pistils or female organs.

SUMMARY 113

The imperfect or pistillate blossoms contain pistils only. It is
necessary to know before transplanting what varieties are pistil-
late in order to plant perfect flowering sorts near enough to
ensure fertilization. One row in every two to four of the pis-
tillate sorts is sufficient. The pistillate varieties usually yield
more heavily than other varieties when well fertilized.

SUMMARY.

1. Southern grown berries do not come into competition
with home-grown fruit.

2. The culture is the same for berries both for home use and
the market.

3. The strawberry does well wherever given good cultiva-
tion, proper drainage and plenty of fertilizer in available form.

4. Well-rotted manure, bone meal, and wood ashes (or soine
of the potash salts), are considered the best fertilizers.

1^. Fall plowing, mulching with manure and thorough pre-
paration of soil before setting plants are the first steps in straw-
berry growing.

6. A crop of clover or other green manure known to be free
from insects will when plowed under prove of great value to
the crop.

7. Coarse manure may be plowed under with good results,
provided it is applied early enough to be well decomposed by
planting time.

8. Spring set plants give the best results ; where fall set they
should be grown especially for that purpose, small pots being
most commonly used.

9. Where plants are grown by hill culture they are usually
set in rows three or three and one-half feet apart, and one foot
apart in the row ; all runners and blossoms being kept oft' the
first season.

10. In matted i-ows, the rows are from three and one-half to
four feet apart and plants are set from fifteen to eighteen inches
in the row, according to variety and width of row.

11. Fruiting one season only is usually advocated by best
growers. It is less work and more profitable to set a new bed
than renovate an old one.

114 STRAWBERRY GROWING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

12. It is necessary to protect the plants in winter by mulch-
ing witli some material such as straw, marsh hay, pine needles,
pine boughs, coarse manure, etc., to protect from heaving.

13. Failure to get a maximun crop frequently comes from
improper fertilization. Have at least one row in every four,
of a perfect flowering variety.

14. The practical growers quoted agree upon the merit of the
following varieties :

(i). Bubach, Crescent, Lovett, Warfield.

(2). Greenville, Haverland and Beverly.

(3). May King, Sharpless, Marshall, Michel's Early.

Brandy wine and Clyde seem to be gaining general recognition.

15. Irrigation has proven of great value wherever tried.

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