Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 11, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1876 — Covering Strawberries. [ARTICLE]

Covering Strawberries.

It is hardly necessary to inform our readers that all strawbsrries, no matter how hardy they are reported to be, winter better by being covered before the severe weather of winter fairly seta in, or even afterward, if before the first thaw. Evergreen branches have one important advantage—they may be put on before winter Logins, without any danger of smothering the green plants. We have fouad a venr thin covering, if only enough to hide the ground below, of decided benefit, the plants coming out a fresh bright green when the evergreens are taken off m spring, instead of the dull green or brown when exposed. TYe crop is earlier, the plants beginning to grow vigorously at the first warm Weather. The evergreen branches may be placed in regular, even lines, lapping like shingles, the branches lengthwise with the rows, giving the beds, a” positively ornamental appearance, instead of the rough look caused by the use of straw, litter or coarse manure. On large plantations evergreens Cannot often be used to advantage, and straw must be employed, in which case rye straw is best, on account es its stiffness, while soft, flexible-straw; as of bats,' is objectionable, as it settles compactly when wet, and, tenets to smother the plants. Even corn-stalks effect a valuable service, if Spread so thinly that half the surface is bare, by shielding from sun and wind, and hblding the surface snow. In providing any kihdjrf covering, it must be borne in mind that a green growth of leaves, like those of the strawberry, are easily injured by smothering; and tliat whatever protection is employed, it must be pervious to air. Farmers understand this, as applied to green wheat plants, which are killed by deep drifts of snow. This precaution is not so necessary in case of shrubs which have dropped their leaves, or of herbaceous perenniUTs of bulbs, the leaves and ; stems of which die down before winter. L Country residents ofteri have a number evergreen trees planted about their .dwelling, thirt are either extending-their limbs too far and interfering with other growth, or else becoming distorted, as thtey increase in size. Cutting off portions of these limbs at a fork (so as not to leave a dead stump) will improve' them, and afford a quantity of “ brush,” which is just the thing for the strawberry beds. Evergreen screens often receive more or less cutting back, in which case an abundant supply of protecting material may be obtained.— Country Gentleman.