Show Save the Strawberries by Using Straw Mulch I Wheat straw makes the best mulch I for strawberries declares James O. O Moore horticulturist at the University of Wisconsin Oat straw may be used as second preference but wheat straw Is i i more apt to be free from weed seed Ordinarily It ft Is best to wait walt until the first freeze before mulching so that the team and wagon do not cut up the bed If It tile the weather is such that there Is no alternate freezing and thawing the tile ground may be allowed to freeze several Inches deep before mulching Four Inches of ot loose straw Is la about the right amount for this climate concludes Moore Time of or removing the mulch Is de do determined determined by whether or not a person wishes an nn early or late berry crop If It the mulch Is removed too soon there Is III danger from frost For a late crop the straw Is left on until warm weather er or until the vines begin to grow grO Leave as much straw strow on the vines as al possible advocates ocate Moore so so the the plants can get through Some straw should hould I be left between the rows too for a mulch This aids the picking of the berries |