Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-12-11
Condition Favorins Apple Culture.

While apple trees will grow on u
great variety of soils. the best results
will be secured by selecting soils con-
genial to the wants Of the tree. A deep
pol Gus clay loan, with gravelly SUBJ
soil. is best; o sandy loan Or g. loose
+slatenstone Will 90 fairly y en-, aAuG the
soil must be naturally well drained.
The commercial orchardist must secure
every possible aid from congenial soil
go s2s 10 levota as lit the ofsthe profits
of his eropto correcting defects in the
soil itself as possible.
Select healthy, we'll. grown two or
three-yeaf&eHfs trees. y Get all Of the
roots possible. reduce the top to corre-
spond with the roots, dig large holes in
straight rows. using a. pail of water to
each tree. TO settle the earth firmly
around the roots. and mulch with ordi-
rary straw barn manure
II is best that the soil be in a good
state of fertility, but if that available
has been reduced by years of cropping.
L would not wait to restore il before
setting the trees, but dig extra large
hoIes, get some rich soil or swami
muck and mix with that taken out in
digging, say a bushel or SO to ach tree.
Keep them well mulched and the trees
vii, grow. Meantime bring the whole
field up to q good state of fertility by
raising some hoed crop with manure.
III the contemplated field has recently
been cleared of forest and is incum-
herad with stumps, set the trees lust
the same. 1t is surprising how little
the stumps will interfere with straight
rows and even setting. If q stump Is
in the way take it out. for your trees
VIII occupy the land for a long time
and the little extra work will pay. The
virgin soil will give the trees Just the
food they need and by the time the
sturps are out, the trees will have a
fine start ANA be ready for business
If the only available site is a ledge
of rocks or loose bouders. and if the
rock is not solid. dig the holes with
pick and bar, if there is not soil enough
to set the trees. cart it from the roadside
or any place where it can be found.
Mulch well and the trees will find abund-
ant nourishment in the crevices of the
rocks and often make such an unsghtly
place fruitful ard productive. Such n
place cannot be cultivated, but an oc-
casional top-dressing OF barn manure will
pc useful and I; drove of hogs will keep
the weeds down and the soil in a loose
condition.
Flowing should be such that when the
time is ready for business it will have n
weii-Dalanced top sufficiently open to adj
gathered conveniently. Start the main
branches not less than feet from the
ground and TO inches from each other.
three or four around the main stem
Cut away such as are inclined TO grow at
an acute angle to the body of the tree
tor they viii make trouble later when
heavily laden with fruit by breaking
down; because the outer dead bark is in
closed between the living wood Of the two
ana prevents them from growing fast to
each other. "
mike pretty young tree, but rs they
grow and bear. the outer branches viii
tend downward, interfering with culti-
o ~ ana Dringlng the fruit within reach
VI ilSturng animals, making it more Sub.
Jtct 10 fungous growth, and often dis
Injured by contact with the soil The only
h ,di, preventive for the ravages of the
rallroad worm is pasturing with sheen or
hoSs, and they will eat ali fruit and foIi.
age age within reach. SO on the whole it is
All this should be looked after when ~.
tree is young. 'i ''io
mature tree will often cover Is "a
~ ieet IN breadth. hence the rows should
De at least 80 feet apart The feedinu
roots Will cover the whole ground henns.
uilage and the fertilizers should he m.
r r;d TO inc whole surface. Few soils ara
r,cn enough to furnish the needed s,Innj,-
oI plant 1000. Farm manure wood ashes
swamp sSS; muck are all good. and are gener.
any any within reach of the orchardist. Glow
ers turred under in a green state viii ~,
!, a great help and at low cost. Dig out tn"
porers twice each year. Spray thorouah-
~, Keep up the fertility and give clea,
cultivation with some hoed crop until the
trees begin tc bear paying crops: aftnc
when tune 1t is best tc give I'D the who'll,
orchard TO the growing trees ana fr,it
New England Homestead