Morris tribune., 1911-12-08
Fruits for North
ern Minnesota.
BY Leroy cady, Horticuiturist,
Minnesota University Farm.

j. i i. i. i J. i i. !. !. \. + 1. 1. 1. 4. I
AS the country becomes settled peo
pie are becoming more interested II
fruits and vegetables. and 1t Is wei
that they do, since a good fruit and
vegetable garden on any farm greatly
reduces the actual cost OF living;
while, by its variety, 1t adds much tc
the enjoyment Of the table fare and
the health of individuals. The old fare
of salt pork, potatoes and bread be
comes monotonous, and one does not
soon return to it after he has had the
use Of good garden for a season.
Northern Minnesota abounds in
many wild fruits, that In some cases
as with rlums and raspberries, may
be brought to the farmstead and cul.
tivated. =.
APPLES.
The apple, while not as hardy as
other fruits, may succeed IL the hard
Ter varieties, such as Duchess, Hiber.
nal and Patterns Greening, are plant
ed in good locations and soil
The best soil for apples is an open
clay or loose loan. The best location
is one that slopes to the northeast,
because it is protected from the hot
southwest winds. 1t is all the more
desirable if the land Is located near
lake or river. Apples will often do
well in other locations Rough land
may be used, but land that can be
cultivated is preferable.
1t is usually best to set the trees in
the spring, in land that has been thor
oughly plowed and prepared. Dig the
hole a trifle deeper and wider than is
necessary for the tree. Fill in with
rich loam, setting the tree from four
to six inches deeper than it grew
originally. Firm the soil we'll around
the roots. 1t is often good plan to put
In bucket or two of water, to help set.
tie the soil, unless the land is moist
enough. Two or three-year-o trees,
with a good fibrous root system, are
preferable to any others. They should
be set about 20x25, or in some cases
25x30 This would require from sixty
to eighty trees per acre. A distance
great enough should be chosen, so
that there may be plenty of room
around the trees for cuItivating and
spraying.
For the first two or three years pota
toes or other garden crops may be
grown between the rows. 1t is not
good policy to grow corn, or anything
that will shade the trunks OF the trees.
Thorough cultivation should be given
each season until about Aug l at
least, until the trees come into bear
ing. Some of the best orchardists in
the country say that the orchard
should be kept clean cultivated during
It's life. "a
The ordinary varieties of apples will
usually come into bearing from three
20 six years from setting. Varieties
for general planting by
he Horticultural Society and Expert
nent Station are Duchess, Hibernal
Ind Patten's Greening. Wealthy and
Anisim may often be added to this
list to advantage. Among the crabs,
Florence, Minnesota, Sweet Russet
Ind Whitney are best for general
planting. Sweet Russet and Whitney
ire especially good for home use, but
1ot desirable for marketing. "a"
RAsP6ERRIEs.
The best varieties of red raspberries
or general culture are King, Turner,
Ironclad and Sunbeam.
Among the black caps, Older, Gregg
md Cumberland seem to give the best
'esults. The Columbian, which is
purple. having the good qualities of
10Th red and black, should be in every
lome garden, although it is not a
commercial berry on account of it's
olor.
Among the currants, White Grape
s the best white variety for general
'lanting, Victoria, Red Cross, Long
Bunch Holland and Perfection are
ood red varieties.
oOSERERRIES.
Carrie, though often the highest in
rice, 10 probably tho best for general
Other good varieties are |
and Pearl.
The strawberry is one of the easiest |
lants to grow, and should be in every !
arden. Senator Dunlap is the one ,
lost generally planted Bederwood,
varf1eld and Crescent are old stand
I'd varieties. Splendid and Enhance
re also often used.