Feb. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 129 



Site. 



A matter of almost as great importance as the soil is the choosing of a 

 site for a peach orchard. By site is meant the exact situation of the orchard,, 

 whether in a valley, on a high-level place, or on a hillside. In the colder- 

 climates peach orchards should never be planted in low-lying land or gullies,, 

 but on hills or high elevations, so as to profit by good air drainage and be- 

 out of the frost level. It is well known that frosts do the most damage in 

 gullies and low-lying places, but along the banks of most of our coastal rivers 

 there has been no injury from frost; although these places are low-lying,, 

 some of the best peaches produced in this State have been grown there. 

 A westerly aspect would be the most desirable, if protected from wind. 

 During cold, frosty mornings the thawing process would be more gradual,, 

 and frosts would not be so likely to damage the blossom as in the case of 

 orchards planted with an easterly aspect. In early spring, about blossoming 

 time, a drop of one to three degrees in temperature may be very serious, and 

 may cause failure of the crop. 



The Soil and its Preparation. 



There are many kinds of soils in which peach trees can be grown profitably. 

 Generally speaking, however, the peach prefers light, warm, well-drained 

 Sandy or loamy land. Such a soil favours a firmer, better ripened and 

 hardier growth, and produces fruit of the best colour and quality. Peaches^ 

 will grow in heavy soil, provided the soil has good drainage and is kept mellow. 

 In such strong soils the trees grow strong and live to a good age. For- 

 commercial peach-growing, however, the lighter, loamy soils are preferable.- 



The ground for peach trees should be thoroughly prepared before plantings 

 It is necessary to plough the land at least 8 or 9 inches deep. In some soils 

 it will be found of benefit to follow the plough with a good subsoiler, breaking 

 up the ground to at least 18 inches. By doing this the roots of the young 

 trees will have a greater depth of moist, mellow soil, and the moisture-holding- 

 capacity of the soil will be increased. The objects of the cultivator in the first ■ 

 preparation should be thorough tillage and to bring the soil into a loose and_ 

 friable condition. Thorough preparation is a great aid to future success, and_ 

 a well-prepared, friable soil will induce deeper rooting, which is a most- 

 important thing. 



Selecting the Trees. 



In selecting peach trees for planting, it should be borne in mind that 

 it pays to have good ones, a poor tree being dear at any price. A good 

 tree is one that has made a vigorous, stocky growth. The largest trees are 

 not necessarily the best. Only one-year-old trees should be planted; if" 

 not obtainable, dormant buds may be used. 



The preparation for planting consists in shortening back the side roots so- 

 that they will be not longer than 4 inches. All bruised parts are cut away. 

 The pruning of the top is done some little time after planting, and consists-- 

 in heading ofE the tree to the desired height of about 15 inches. 



