STRAWBERRIES

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 28, 1 August 1940, Page 19

STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries are so popular that every gardener would like to have a few plants, but often the crop proves so unsatisfactory that they are not considered worth while. Generally speaking, failure is due to ignorance as to the general requirements o&the plants. In the first place good drairrage is absolutely necessary. If the plants are in undrained ground, a Waterlogged state in the winter results in loss of roots. Such soil is cold in the spring, and consequently not in a state that will promote quick "root action, which is highly important with strawberries. Perfect drainage is necessary for another reason. Fertility depends upon the action of certain bacteria in the soil, and if these bacteria are not active there can be no fertility. A certain degree of heat, the presence of air, and perfect darkness are.necessary to these organisms. If the soil is full of water there can be no air in it, and it will remain cold. As the bacteria require, darkness, they cannot work within a few inches of the surface, which makes deep working of the soil necessary as well as good drainage. The maintenance of an open surface is of equal importance. The strawberry is a surface-rooting plant, the roots never penetrate deep into the soil, and do not reach much beyond the spread of the foliage. Many classes oi.ifo.il , ; eaii.^fee^madei;. to«spr c«iuee«gQod. strawberries if treated in a proper manner. Stiff clay is unsuitable, as the surface soil could not be kept in a condition in which, the roots work freely. A very sandy soil dries out too rapidly, particularly. •as the roots are near the surface. The best soil is a fairly heavy loam, friable in character. The beds should be deeply dug. thoroughly broken up, and made smooth on the surface, and finally firmed down by tramping or rolling. During digging operations all perennial weeds must be carefully removed, as otherwise they will take possession and smother the crop. The ground should be fairly rich in humus, and this may be supplied by means of animal manures or by digging in a green crop. Lime is better omitted, as it is generally considered that strawberries require an acid soil. Plants should be set 12 inches apart each way. All runners should be kept cut off. After the plants have done bearing each season the soil should be ridged up around them, thus giving new soil to the crown, from which the roots

start. Heavy manuring and fertilising are necessary to keep the plants in bearing for several years. The time foxplanting must be ruled by local conditions of soil and climate. In the Wellington district early spring planting is generally considered the best. When the plants are received about half the roots and all the old leaves should be cut off. The plants must not be allowed to become dry before they are got into the ground. If they cannot be attended to immediately they should either be heeled in or covered with a damp sack until required. Plant firmly .with the crown of leaves, and buds -just clear of the surface. Keep the soil stirred between the plants, but do v not dig deeply, especially close up to the plants Nitrate of soda may be given if the plants are not making good growth, but too much of this stimulant would have the tendency to encourage overluxuriance of foliage at the expense of the fruit. In most cases it will be found necessary to cover the beds to protect the fruit from birds.

This column is intended principally for gardeners with small plots, and the aim is to make it as practical and useful as possible. Inquiries on any matter of gardening interest will be welcomed. Al) communications must be accompanied by the name and ~,. address of the writer, not^forpub-"-lication. but as a guarantee of good faith. This is your column—make use of it.