In either case the soil should be thoroughly pulverized and well mixed with the manure after plowing by rolling and harrowing to insure a perfect seed bed the full depth of plowing. This should be done immediately after plowing to retain moisture. In small gardens this may be done with garden rake.

If stable manure is not applied during the winter, it is advisable to apply it between the rows as soon as possible after plants are set. Poultry manure is an ideal fertilizer but if this is used it should be thoroughly composted with earth before applying on account of its heating tendencies. This is done by forming a pile three or four feet in height and of any convenient size composed of alternate layers of earth and manure, each layer from two to four inches deep. This pile should be allowed to stand until the manure has decomposed. It should then be thoroughly forked over to mix the earth and manure. Apply after plowing at the rate of 25 to 50 pounds per square rod or from two to four tons per acre and incorporate thoroughly with the soil before planting.

Pulverized Sheep Manure also is an excellent strawberry fertilizer and offers several decided advantages, viz:—

It is most economical because it contains a high per cent of refined, concentrated plant-food in properly balanced proportions.

It is entirely free from all weed seeds and trash. It becomes almost immediately available for the plants’ use. There is absolutely no danger, either to roots or foliage on account of using too freely.

Pulverized Sheep Manure may be applied either as a top dressing at intervals during the growing season, by broadcasting or drilling, or in furrows. If used as a top dressing, it should be applied three or four times during the growing season at regular intervals directly over the plant rows, each application at the rate of 3 pounds per square rod or 500 pounds per acre. It will be worked into the soil by hoeing and cultivating.

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