Ackley World in Ackley, Iowa

Fruit growing lessons and cooperative plans for Hardin county

Sfarmers Institute speaker Sustin Wells argues only about five percent of northern Iowa nursery stock succeeds, with failures due to purchaser neglect or climate. He advocates hardy varieties and detailed care from April to November, plus rowed planting, thorough cultivation, and winter protection. He warns cooperative farming may fail to pay, urges careful selection of berries, and outlines pruning, planting, and fertilizing practices for strawberries and raspberries. He notes difficulties with pistillate versus perfect-flower varieties and shares experiences with Crescent and Wilson stock and the need for proper bed management.