Til 10 Bulletin 17 



The metliod of cheeking off the land tlio proper distance with a two- 

 liorse turn plow, and dig,ffing the holes at the intersections, is very 

 i-onunonly employed. Across the ends and sides of the site hase lines 

 are run with stakes at intervals equal to the distance between the trees. 

 Furrows are plowed from stakes on one end to corresponding stakes on 

 the other end. Then furrows are plowed across the field between cor- 

 responding stakes on the sides. The intersections of the furrows locate 

 the position of the trees. This saves time by helping to dig the holes, 

 rf the field is a large one, stakes should be set in line between the end 

 stakes to assist the plowman in keeping the rows straight. This method 

 requiii'.s less time, but is impossible to get the trees as straight as by 

 the preceding methods. 



^fost of the plantings of peach orchards in this State are made on 

 the square method and at distances of from 16 to 20 feet. Wben 

 planted 16 feet apart, it will require 170 trees per acre; at 18 feet 

 apart, 1.35 trees per acre; and at 20 feet, 108 trees per acre. On good 

 soil and where the trees are long-lived they should be set at a distance 

 of 20 feet apart. On poor soil a number of groAvers plant at 18 feet 

 apart. It is rarely advisable to plant closer than 18 feet. 



TIME OF PLAXTING 



Downing, in his well known book, 'Tiniits and Fruit Trees of Amer- 

 ica," says: "Early autumn planting is gi-eatly preferred in all mild 

 climates and dry soils." 



In this State peach trees should be planted in the fall. Trees can 

 be planted any time from ]!^ovember until early spring, but the fall has 

 many advantages, the most important of which are: 



1. Generally, it is the most convenient time, there being less general 

 farm work to be done than in the spring. 



2. The tree heals the cut roots, becomes established, and is ready 

 to start growth in the spring, thus acquiring strength to withstand 

 summer drouths. 



3. The fall-planted trees generally have made more growth by the 

 end of the first season. 



4. The buyer gets the pick of the nursery trees, and is better pleased. 



5. Generally the soil can be gotten in better condition. 



It is considered that the best results are secured from fall planting, 

 when it is done early. The trois can be transplanted when they have 

 become dormant and shed their leaves. In favorable .seasons trees that 

 have been planted in November often become rooted and the wounds 

 healed before cold weather because of the heat stored in the soil during 

 the summer. If the land is too wet, fall planting is not desirable. 

 Trees set out in the 'spring should be planted in early spring. If the 

 trees are to be planted in the spring, they should bo purchased in the 

 fall and "heeled in" until ready to plant. 



