The proper method of picking strawberries is to leave about one inch of the stem attached to the berry. This adds greatly to the appearance, shipping and keeping qualities of the berries thereby making it possible to obtain higher prices.
Unless absolutely necessary, never pick berries when the plants are wet from dew or rain as berries picked when the vines are dry remain fresh and retain their lustre much longer.
The berries should be graded by putting each grade into separate boxes when picking. This eliminates the expense of re-handling and prevents unnecessary bruising when packing.
Packing
The top layer in each box should be arranged in rows so as to present an attractive appearance and make the top as level as possible. This requires but little time and adds greatly to their appearance.
Long berries should be packed on their side while round or top-shaped berries present the best appearance packed with the calyx and stem down. The boxes should then be carefully placed into the crates.
A UNIQUE AND EFFECTIVE WAY TO ADVERTISE STRAWBERRIES
Placards posted in garages and at gasoline filling stations will be read by hundreds of automobile owners with the result that you will find it easy to dispose of your entire strawberry crop right at the patch. Try this simple, inexpensive advertising.
Berries of high quality packed in this manner will soon establish a reputation for the grower which will greatly increase his profits.