The Benson signal., 1916-07-22

The apple is the most cosmopolitan
of all fruits, the most valuable, deli
ciOus, healthful and interesting. A
good orchard is the JOY of the whole
family and should have place on
every farm where apples can be grown
successfully. 1t is unquestionably the
first fruit in Importance in America,
says writer in Successful Farming.
considering it's adaptability to all
sorts of climates, it's superior culinary
qualities and it's health-giving proper
ties, it is very hard to understand how
one can plan farmstead without in
Guiding, at least, 40 apple trees.
In spite of the wide adaptation Of
different varieties of apples, the per-
sonal element enters into the problem
to very large extent. With respect
to apples the ia fmer is more influential
than soil or climate. Some of the best
varieties may be grown to high de-
gree of perfection in nearly every state
in the Union. Before deciding to plant
an orchard for family use one should
study the matter with some care, max
ing sure that varieties are selected
that do not have to be grated over.
BY careful study it is possible to
make up a list of trees for the home
orchard that will provide succession
of fruit from midsummer until late in
the winter or early spring. It is fully
as important to know what to leave out
as it is to know what to plant. By
testing out new varieties on single
CRAFTS one can experiment with other
varieties to determine if they are
adapted to his soil and climate.
Making the Start.
One must understand at the begin
ming that an apple tree needs cultiva-
ton and fertilizing just as much as a
row of corn or field of grain; yet as
a rule nothing is so neglected and
starved. The first problem is fitting
the ground for planting and know Of
no better or cheaper method than plow-
ing under a thick, heavy sod in the
fall, planting a hoed crop the next
spring, sowing a cover crop the next
fall and plowing again in the spring
and fitting for planting the trees. The
trees must have an abundant supply of
phosphoric acid and potash and enough
nitrogen to stimulate healthy growth
of wood. The roots must be protected
during the winter with a cover crop,
and if the orchard is exposed to winds
and sever storms, it is we'll to plant a
II %hn CT
double row of pear trees, or other close
growing fruit or ornamental trees will
form a very effectual windbreak. If
one has sufficient land an evergreen
hedge is desirable.
Site for Orchard.
In selecting site for the family
orchard, the best land in close proxim-
ity to the house, other conditions be-
ing favorable, should be selected. There
is no acre of land on the farm that
will pay better returns than the apple
orchard. Select soil that is well
drained by natural or artificial drain
age.
In selecting nursery stock it is best
to buy trees that have been grown in
your own locality. It is a well-known
fact that trees and vines adapt them
selves to the soil and climate of the
section where they were grown, and l
believe that it is true in regard to the
apple tree. Always get nursery stock,
so far as you can, from the same lati-
tude; especially, do not send far South
for apple trees. Buy your trees of
good, reliable nurserymen, specify
what you want, be willing to pay for
it, and buy when it is possible to OBJ
tain them. Many will not agree with
me when I say buy One-year-old trees,
but I am convinced from experience
that they will give better results. One
uncertainty in buying older trees is
the fact that many Of them are culls
that are carried over. One-year-old
trees are easy to handle, they are just
as vigorous and in many parts of the
country where low heading Is practiced
they are easier to train in the desired
way.
Crops in Orchard.
Now as to crops to grow in the
young orchard. You can grow any
hoed crop that requires thorough culti-
walton and that does not take up too
great quantities Of moisture. Potatoes,