American Pomology. ApplesWarder, J. A. (John Aston)
Science
American Pomology. Apples
Warder, J. A. (John Aston)
Apples
Most nurserymen set out their apple grafts in the rows where they are
to be grown to full size, and cultivate them from two to three years;
while this saves the trouble of transplanting, the trees will not be
as well assorted for size, nor will they have the benefit of the
transplanting, (which will enhance their value much more than it
costs, in the improved character of their roots), as have those that
have been treated on the bedding plan, practiced by some nurserymen.
This consists in setting the root grafts closely together, in a bed of
very well prepared ground; they are covered at once with a good
mulching of sawdust, which keeps the ground moist, and insures the
growth of almost all the plants, while for the first season they
occupy very little space, and are readily kept clean, as the mulching
prevents the growth of weeds. In the fall, or in the following spring,
they are taken up, assorted for size, and re-planted in the
nursery-rows where they are to stand. This transplanting improves the
character of their roots, which are more fibrous and shorter than in
those trees which have stood three or four years without being
disturbed. Purchasers, now-a-days, begin to look at the roots of their
trees, as well as the tops; and it may become necessary for the
nurserymen to gratify this fancy for low-headed, stocky trees, that
have abundant fibres to insure their growth, and their early
fruitfulness.
CULTURE of the nursery should be thorough; the soil should be
frequently stirred, and kept mellow and loose, to insure cleanliness
and thriftiness, and to make handsome trees. The mellow soil upon the
surface, is, by some persons, considered equal to a good mulching, and
indeed it answers the indications of one. Cultivation, to kill the
weeds as fast as they appear, will admit both air and moisture; a
share of both of these is retained by the mellow earth, which, thus
treated, is indeed a very good mulch. The cultivation may be done with
the small turning plow, with the double shovel, or with any of the
many approved cultivators in use everywhere throughout the country.
The surface should be kept as level and even as possible. In some
soils the roller, made short enough to pass between the rows, is
highly esteemed, and is considered a most valuable implement in the
nursery. As a general rule, cultivation should not be continued too
late in the season, but should be suspended about mid-summer, so as to
prevent a late growth and to encourage the plants to finish their
summer's work in time to ripen their wood thoroughly before the advent
of winter. This is particularly necessary where the climate is severe,
especially on new lands, where the trees are very vigorous. Upon the
approach of winter, it is a good practice to plow a light furrow
against the trees on each side; this protects the collar from cold,
prevents heaving by the frost, and gives a good surface drainage to
excess of water.
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