Make it a rule to mulch as soon as possible after the plants begin
to blossom, and also after a good soaking rain. In this case the
litter keeps the ground moist. If the soil immediately about the
plants is covered when dry, the mulch may keep it dry--to the
great detriment of the forming berries. It is usually best to put
on the mulch as soon as the early cultivation is over in April,
and then the bed may be left till the fruit is picked. Of course
it may be necessary to pull out some rank-growing weeds from time
to time. If the hired man is left to do the mulching very late in
the season, he will probably cover much of the green fruit and
blossoms as well as the ground.
After the berries have been picked, the remaining treatment of the
year is very simple. Rake out the mulch, cultivate the soil, and
keep the plants free of weeds and runners as during the previous
year. Before hard freezing weather, protect again as before, and
give the plants similar treatment the following spring and summer.
Under this system the same plants may be kept in bearing three,
four, and five years, according to the variety. Some kinds
maintain their vigor longer than others. After the first year the
disposition to run declines, and with the third year, in most
instances, deterioration in the plant itself begins.
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