Some one may object that this is a troublesome and expensive way
of growing strawberries. Do not the facts in the case prove the
reverse? A plant restricted to a single root can be hoed and
worked around like a hill of corn or a currant-bush. With
comparatively little trouble the ground between the rows can be
kept clean and mellow. Under the common system, which allows the
runners to interlace and mat the ground, you soon have an almost
endless amount of hand-weeding to do, and even this fails if white
clover, sorrel, and certain grasses once get a start. The system I
advocate forbids neglect; the runners must be clipped off as fast
as they appear, and they continue to grow from June till frost;
but the actual labor of the year is reduced to a minimum. A little
boy or girl could keep a large bed clipped by the occasional use
of a shears or knife before breakfast; and if the ground between
the plants is free of runners, it can be hoed over in an hour.
Considering, therefore, merely the trouble and expense, the
single-plant system has the facts in its favor. But our object is
not to grow strawberry plants with the least trouble, but to have
strawberries of the largest and finest quality.
In addition to ease and thoroughness of cultivation, there are
other important advantages.
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