Two Ways to Have Tree Fruits on a Small Place
(Page 2 of 5)
We had a lot of fun considering what and how many trees to
plant. Before we decided which variety of apples, we
visited a commercial apple orchard, bought four or five
varieties, tasted them and cooked them.
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We learned that commercial growers give the appearance of
an apple - or any fruit - undue importance. With them looks
seem to rate as high as taste. Probably because appearance
sells the apple at the fruit stand. Obviously, the first
thing we were interested in was taste . . next came keeping
qualities .. looks was last on our list.
In selecting the varieties we kept in mind the fact that
certain apples ripen in July, others in August, September
and October. By planting five apple trees, we would have
apples summer and fall - and also a late apple which would
keep over the winter.
After considerable reading and a lot of talks with our
local nurseryman, the following is a list of the standard
fruit trees we believe sufficient to furnish a large family
with enough produce for eating, canning and storage: 3
apple; 4 peach; 3 pear; 2 sour cherry; 1 sweet cherry; 2
plum. In Southern latitudes you can have citrus, apricot,
nectarines, fig. Be sure not to plant your young trees too
close to the house or to other trees. (See chart.)
The following table will give you an idea about yields and
age of bearing:
Even though all the fruit catalogues tell you that you can
plant in either spring or fall, spring is preferred in most
sections. Planting should be done as early as the ground
can be worked and before growth has started in the plants.
Don't use fertilizer when planting. Use fine earth and
tramp earth solidly about the roots with your feet, shovel
by shovel. Set trees about an inch deeper than they were in
the nursery.
Keep a three foot circle cultivated around the tree trunk.
In the fall mulch them with poultry house litter. From the
second year on, cultivate regularly and fertilize at end of
June by using a barnyard manure mulch. This serves to keep
in moisture during hot dry spells in July and August and
provides additional food. You will be surprised at how much
faster this will bring your trees to bearing.
Some state agriculture departments will send you postcards
throughout the year telling you with what and when to spray
your fruit trees. Needless to say, this is an invaluable
service and you should get your name on your state's list
of fruit growers so you can more easily take care of
spraying. Ask your County Agricultural Agent about this
service.
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