CHAPTER X 



VINE FRUITS 



Grapes. — The farmer's garden is hardly complete Avithout a 

 few of the best grapes which may be grown in the ojien or close 

 to the house. This may not be an ideal site, and the soil may not 

 be a perfect type, but the vines i^roduce. There are also farmers 

 who produce grapes successfully on a commercial scale. 



Location. — AVliere the grape is grown commercially, the 

 vineyards are located near large bodies of Avater, where the 

 temperature is more or less equalized. Air drainage is very 

 important, and many of the vineyards are on the side hills. 



Soil. — There are many types of soil in which the grape is 

 grown successfullj". A loam more or less sandy, warm, well- 

 drained and pliable is ideal. The subsoil should be porous. A 

 heavy clay soil should be avoided. The soil should be moder- 

 ately rich and incorporated Avith humus. A clean cultivation in 

 desired to free the soil of weeds and grass before planting. 



Planting. — Early spring plant- 

 ing is generally recommended, 

 especially for the north. Vines 

 of one year's growth, healthy, 

 free from insects and disease 

 should be planted. Coimiiercial 

 vineyards are planted eight by 

 eight feet, 680 vines per acre, or 

 ten by ten feet, 435 vines per 

 acre. Have the rows straight. 

 Interplant varieties that have im- 

 perfect flowers. Prune back the 

 roots a little, so that they are not 

 crowded in the hole, and cut the 

 top back to three to four buds at 

 the time of planting. A finely 

 pulverized, rich soil should be 

 packed firmly about the roots. 



If only a few vines are to be 

 planted close to the house Avhere 

 the soil is usually filled in and 

 very poor, dig holes four feet 



181 



Fig. 92. — A grapevine showing the 

 method of pruning roots ready 

 for planting. — U. /S'. De2)t. of Ag- 

 riculture. 



