Pocahontas star herald., 1924-06-06
From the County Agent
Home Orchards

ItOuit OItidtuS
A properly planned and well kept
home orchard will add greatly to the
value of the average small farm in the
hill sections Of Randolph county.
There are many farms in the county
where scarcely fruit tree can be seen
about the place. Many farmers do
not consider the value of small home
orchard and are too often never plant
ed or if planted neglected and allowed
to run down and grow just as nature
sees fit to grow them and this is far
from the way they should be grown
TO give satisfactory results. In order
for home orchard to be of any great
value the trees must be pruned, spray
ed, cultivated and fertilized every year.
An orchard must be taken care of and
cultivated properly just the same as
cotton or corn If beneficial results are
obtained. The farmer is better off
without an orchard unless it be proper
|
chard is not only source of discour-
agement for the farmer, but harbor-
ing place for insects and disease which
do much damage TO other crops and TO
neighbors orchards Most of the dis
eases and insects which attack the
fruit and trees can be controlled if
the proper methods are used.
Before planting the orchard a defin-
ite plan should be made showing where
| the different trees are to be planted
and the different varieties. The vari-
| ties of fruit should he considered ac-
corling to. their merit In selecting
varieties for the home orchard only
those OF the highest quality should be
chosen. Varieties which ripen at diff
ferent times in the season are prefer
able because this enables us to have
fresh fruit from the orchard at all
times during the season and facilitates
the handling.
The location of the orchard is an
important feature to be considered
when planting. Fruit trees do not
thrive cn wet soils but respond to soil
fertility the same as other plants. The
hc.2c orchard should he located If pos
sible near the house since its object
is to supply the family with fresh
fruit. The orchard should be located
on fairly fertile soil where the eleva-
ton is such that the water will drain
off readily. An orchard properly car
ed for will add greatly to the appear
ance Of the farm.
In the purchasing Of fruit trees too
much care cannot be exercised In secur-
ing them. Always buy fruit trees from
reputable nursery and the quality
will be insured. One year old trees
are preferable to two year olds for
planting purposes and usually produce
crop of fruit just about as soon as
will the two year old trees. A great
saving can be had by cooperating with
your neighbor and buying trees In
large lots The trees may be ordered
SO as to arrive at any time from Dec
ember to the first of March. Set the
trees out as soon as they arrive.
Great care must be taken in plant
ing the young trees TO see that they
lare well set in the ground the proper
depth and the roots and branches cut
back to the desired length. In cutting
back the trees bear In mind the proper
framework of the tree. See that the
branches selected are well distributed
around the tree and also that they are
given proper distance along the trunk
Of the tree. The future Of the tree
depends largely upon the way 1t is
started
I'm order TO grow trees that have the
proper shape and framework it is nee
essary that they be pruned every year
from the time they are set. The first
two or three years pruning are especi-
Iany important and the work must be
done then II the trees are to grow as
they should A little study on the part
OF the owner will teach him the proper
methods Of pruning. Very few tree
pruning implements will be necessary
for the care Of the home orchard. All
branches must be removed with care
making a smooth clean cat and just as
close as possible.
Cultivation should begin I'm the or
chard the year il IS planted and all
l,.r,s.s aud ,,,aeds kant duyvu during the