The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-16
The Home Vineyard.

The Bureau of Plant Industry of the
Agricultural Department at Washington
has issued g. bulletin on 1.-THE Home Vine
yard, with Special Reference to Northern
Conditions" which was prepared by w. II.
Ragan, special agent of this bureau. The
bulletin, which goes into the subject quite
extensively, is intended for the guidance
of persons who wish to grow grapes in a
small way rather than for the extensive
vineyardist. AS Mr.. Ragan is an Indi-
anian and familiar with conditions in this
State, what he says is of especial in
terest to farmers here. In the course Of
the bulletin (Which can be had on applica-
ton to the bureau). he says:
The grape is trailing shrub, capable.
under favorable conditions, of making an
enormous growth of wood and fruit To
enable Ii TO do its best the soil must be
prepared for a corresponding growth and
development of it's root system. Grape
roots are not found deeply embedded in
and rambe or wander to great distances
in search of an abundant supply Of plant
food. If the soil Is hard and compact IL
will be difficult for the roots to find the
proper food supply to produce satisfactory
crops of fruit. Thus the Importance of
thoroughly pulverizing the surface and
subsoil is apparent. The thorough pulveriz-
ing of the soil in connection with tile I'M
derdraining is a well-known safeguard
against the evil effect of excessive moisture
as well as protection against excessive
drought.
The first work in preparing the site
chosen for vineyard, especially If il be on
clay soil. will be it's thorough underdrain-
age by thing. The size of the tile to be
used should be determined by the extent
and area to be drained. Three-inch tiles
will generally be found sufficiently large.
They should be laid so as to afford an easy
escape for the water by having an outlet in
some nearby ravine or on slope. They
should be laid at least three feet below the
surface of the ground and in parallel lines
about two rods (thirty-three feeD apart
This. If we'll done, will effectually free the
soil from any surplus water that may have
been held in suspension.
After thorough drainage the ground is
ready for breaking. A strong team of two
or three horses and a good breaking plow
follow I'm the same furrow will be an eff
fectual and labor-saving method of pro-
cedure. 1t is understood that a subsoil
pillow does not throw the cold subsoi I'D to
the surface. but simply loosens and allows
it to remain, where IL properly belongs in
the bottom Of the furrow.
If the site is TO be prepared by hand by
the use of a spade. the same rule should
be observed; turn the lower spit or spade of
earth at the bottom and keep the warm
surface soil on top. If in preparing the
soil above directed a liberal supply of
| compost or weli-rotted manure is worked
| into it it will be improved
AS fertilizers for the grape unleached
| hardwood ashes and well-composted barn.
| yard manure will be found among the
| cheapest and best. These are recommended
both on account of cheapness and general
| accessibility, as well as for their constituent
| elements of plant food. They should be
used literally and should be well mixed
with the soil in its preparation before
| planting; they may be used afterwards as
| top dressing TO be worked into the surface
| In the process of cultivation.