Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1895-08-15

There are various modes for trans
planting the vines. One Of these ia
called sod planting. The sods contain
ing cranberry vines are taken from
cranberry meadows and placed In the
new marsh. This was one Of the earliest
plans, and doubtless originated from
desire not to disturb the roots Of the
plants. Very few planters now practice
this method.
Hill planting is also practiced. One
great advantage of hill planting over
sod planting is that only clean vines
are set out, where with the sod, roots
from other plants were necessarily
propagated. The ground may be marked
out by drills, two feet apart each way,
and the vines put in where the drills
intersect. One objection to this mode
is that large punches Of vines have a
tendency to dry up and become woody,
thus seriously injuring the plantation.
This difficulty induced some cultiVators
to adopt the expedient Of planting in
funnel-shaped holes, made by rotating
sharp stick or dibble; the vines are
placed in these holes, and scattered
around, SO that when the center Ia
filled with sand, they will be spread
out, pointing in all directions. This
method Is illustrated by the accom-
panying cut. Dead punches are thus
avoided. Even this plan Is less satls-
factory than others, on account Of the
increased labor and consequent ex7
pense.
Another method Is called drill plant
ing. A furrow is turned by the pillow,
and the vines are scattered thinly
along, only one in place, being leaned
up against the perpendicular and partly
covered by the hoe. Still another mode
is to scatter the vines over the meadow
and cover them with an inch Of sand.
This gives quick growth, but requires
many vines and also good deal Of
sand.
Some people SOW what they call cut
tings. They run the vines through a
hay cutter, cutting them into lengths
about one inch long. These they SOW
broadcast and harrow In.
Until the vines are matted, keep the
land we'll drained, as the plants do not
thrive on wet land. When properly
drained good meadow will become
matted in three years, though some
plantations take longer than that on
account of the land being too wet. For
two or three years after putting out the
vines the land should be kept free from
weeds, and the cranberry plants given
undisputed possession. During the first
year hoe may be used, but after that
the grass must be pulled by hand, to
avoid loosening the runners that are
rooted in the soil. This should be done
in August, before the weeds go to
seed.
Though drainage is required to obtain
a growth of vines, after the mat is
completed there are certain times when
considerable moisture Is necessary to
insure a good crop. Sometimes drouths
blast a great many of the blossoms,
which is prevented If enough moisture
can be supplied to the crop to ensure
full development. Again, where the
soil can be made moist. the late-formed
berries will grow up to full size. But
where irrigation is resorted to, care
must be taken to lower the water in
the bitches by the middle Of August,
that the vines may be enabled to make
a good fall growth. II this be not done
the crop of the coming year may
be seriously damaged. The fruit-buds
are formed in the fall, and are visible
at the ends of the new growth on the
upright branches. All plantations re-
Quire flooding every winter.