62 One Thousand Questions in Agriculture 



Soil and Situation for Oranges. 



Is it absolutely essential that orange trees be planted on a southern 

 slope, or will they thrive as zvell on any slope f What is the minimum 

 depth of soil required for orange trees F How can I tell whether the soil 

 is good for oranges? 



Orange trees are grown successfully on all slopes, although in 

 particular localities certain exposures may be decidedly best, as must 

 be learned by local observation. How shallow a soil will suit orange 

 trees depends upon how water and fertilizer are applied; on a shal- 

 low soil more fertilizer and more frequent use of water in smaller 

 quantities. Any soil which has grown good grain crops may be used 

 for orange growing if the moisture supply is never too scant and 

 any excess is currently disposed of by good drainage. There can 

 be no arbitrary rule either for exposure, depth or texture of soils, 

 because oranges are being successfully grown on medium loam to 

 heavy clay loam, providing the moisture supply is kept right. 



Transplanting Orange Trees. 



Can you transplant trees two years old zvith safety to another location 

 in same grove, same soil, etc.? 



Yes; and you can move them a greater distance, if you like. 

 Take up the trees with a good ball of earth, transplanting in the 

 spring when the ground has become well warmed, just about at the 

 time when new growth begins to appear on the tree. The top of 

 the tree should he cut back somewhat and the leaves should be removed 

 if they show a disposition to wilt. You should also whitewash or other- 

 wise protect the bark from sunburn if the foliage should be removed. 



Protecting Young Citrus Trees. 



Is it necessary to have young orange trees covered or leave them un- 

 covered during the zvinter months? 



It is desirable to cover with burlaps or bale with cornstalks, 

 straw or some other coarse litter, all young trees which are being 

 planted in untried places; and even where old trees are safe, young 

 trees which go into the frost period with new growth of immature 

 wood should be thus protected. Do not use too much stuff nor 

 bundle too tightly. 



Not Orange on the Osage. 



Can the Navel orange be grafted on the osage orange? I understand 

 it is done in Florida, and zvould like to know if it has been tried in Cali- 

 fornia. 



It cannot. It has not been done in Florida nor anywhere else. 

 The osage orange is not an orange at all. The tree is not a member 

 of the citrus family. 



