New Britain herald., 1925-04-15

neNeu TOT second crop or frult, In commercial fields this should not be attempted unless the old bed is in good condition and relatively free from grass and weeds.
 "lnsects and diseases are not usually troublesome in Connecticut. lh some cases, however spraying would be profitable.
 The growing of the overlooking varieties is seldom profitable com mercially, but they are to be recom- mended for the home garden.
 Raspbcrries
 There are three types of raspber- ries, the rcd, black and purple. Each of these types is represented by a number Of varieties, most of them being chance seedlings which have been found and saved by those who have recognized their value.
 Among the red raspberrics the most important of those grown in Connecticut named approximately in order of their season of ripening are: St. Regis, June, Herbert. Latin am and Cuthbert. For black varie- ties, the Cumberland and Plum Farmer are the best adapted for Connecticut conditions. The only purple variety grown commercially is the Columbian. It is desirable for commercial purposes and should be planted in very home garden.
 Raspberries can be grown on all most any good garden soil. The soil need be only moderately fertile. If it is a soil which does not dry out easily, a heavier yield Of fruit can be expected. To get the best results, however, it should be thoroughly prepared before planting by deep blowing and thorough cultivation. Raspberries should always be plant ed on land that has been under cul- ivation at least ,ne year previous to planting.
 The red varieties are usually planted in rows six to seven feet apart and the plarts two and one- half to three feet apart in the row. The plants sucker freely, soon form ing a solid row. The planting can be done either in the fall or early spring. Use plants which grew the previous season.
 The black and purple raspbcrries are more often grown under the hill system. A common method is to plant them five or six feet apart each way and tie to stakes,
 Raspberries should receive clean culture until about September l. Several good hand hoeings should also be given about the plants to keep down grass and weeds.
 Grapes
 Among the fruits the grape ranks fourth in Connecticut in importance the value of the apple, peach and strawberry crops exceeding that Of the grape.
 As the grape is easily injured by frost, care should be exercised in the selection of a site which is as free as possible from this source or ln- jury.
 While the grape can be grown on 3 wide range of soils, losse, warm erayelIv loam should usually be se- Iected If a choice is to be had.
 Commercial growers of the grape generally prefer to buy their vines from nurserymen instead Of growing their own. However grapes can De easily propagated from cuttings oy anyone who desires to do so.
 Planting the vines early in the spring and using vigorous one-year old plants will give the best results Thorough cultivation should be practiced early in the season, fol- lowed by the sowing of cover crop for blowing under the next spring. Fertilization should be sufficient to keep the vines growing well al 4hough not too vigorously.
 While there are many different methods of training the grape. the Four-cane Kniffin system has been found most satisfactory for the Con cord and this probably also applies to most other vigorous growing var inties.
 As with other cultivated fruits, the grape needs thorough spraying from two to four or more applica- tions being necessary according 10 the season.
 When grapes are sold on the To- cal market for table purposes it is that they be fully matur- ed. As many varieties color well be- fore reaching their hest quality, it is good practice to test a few, by eating. before harvesting.
 While there are more than c,oo0 varieties of grapes which have been described in American grape litera- ture, there are only ten or twelve that need be considered by the Con- necticut grower.
 Spraying
 Apple growers have begun their spraying for the 1925 season, some growers already having finished the first or delayed dormant application. The apple grower need buy only four materials. lime sulphur, arsen- ate of lead, nicotine sulphate and a calcium caseinate spreader, These are mixed and used according to the directions given on the apple spray calendar which Is issued yearly by the Connecticut Agricultural college copies of which can be secured free of charge upon application. Apples usually require from five to eight ! snravs for best results depending upon the variety. season, locality, etc.
 Peaches can be grown satisfactor- irv by either spraying or dusting' Most of the larger growers are usihg 1 ,ov-er dusfprs while the smaller !