6 MASS. EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 399 



resistant. However, the fruit buds are lacking in cold resistance, and the quality 

 of the fruit is poor. These disadvantages are so slight in comparison with its 

 advantages that Elberta stands head and shoulders above all otheis as a com- 

 mercial variety for the East. 



*J. H. Hale is another old stand-by of the eastern peach grower. It is one of 

 the largest, handsomest, and finest flavored peaches grown. The fruit is yellow 

 fleshed, freestone, and firm so that it ships and cans well. Unfortunately, the 

 tree is distinctly dwarfish and unproductive, the flowers are self-sterile, and the 

 fruit buds are no m.ore cold resistant than Elberta. It starts to ripen with El- 

 berta or a few days later and extends the season several da^-s beyond Elberta. 



Since the list of varieties recommended for trial and for commercial planting 

 is revised annually by the staff of the Pomology Department, anyone planning 

 to plant peaches should obtain the latest list to supplement the above information. 



Planting 



In the past, peaches were usually planted on the square system, 18 to 20 feet 

 each way, with little regard for the contour of the land. The orchard was then 

 cultivated both ways. Since very little land in Massachusetts is level enough to 

 be suitable for this kind of culture, the soil in many orchards has been badly 

 eroded and seriously impoverished by this practice. 



It is now recognized that the best way to plant any orchard which is to be cul- 

 tivated is on contours. See Figure 2. That is, each tree row is set along the 

 contour line at a certain level. All cultivating is then done around the slope, 

 never up and down the slope. In time, this will result in the building up of 

 terraces with the" peach trees at the edges. 



Since the contours are seldom parallel, the rows will not be the same distance 

 apart at all points. Also, it will usually be necessary to go to the end of the row- 

 to take cultivating equipment, spraying equipment, and harvest wagons from 

 one row to the next. On the other hand, working around the slope conserves 

 gasoline and saves wear and tear on equipment. 



Because of the curved rows, there will be some inconvenience in spraying due 

 to change in position in relation to the wind. On the credit side, there will be 

 almost 100 percent retention of rainfall and consequently negligible erosion. By 

 the retention of fertile top soil and water and increased ease of producing more 

 cover crop, the productivity and length of life of the orchard should be increased. 



Since the laving out of a contour orchard requires technical skill and training, 

 anyone desiring to plant such an orchard should consult his county agricultural 

 agent or the Soil Conservation Service. 



Before peaches are planted, prepare the land thoroughly by plowing and 

 discing. If possible, do this a year in advance and grow a green manure crop. While 

 peaches can be planted successfully in the fall if obtained from a near-by nursery 

 and put in at once, spring planting is preferable. Plant the trees as eaily as it 

 is possible to get on the land. Use one-j'ear-old, thrifty trees and set them 

 18 to 20 feet apart each way or, better, 18 to 20 feet apart on contours. Remove 

 any broken or injured parts of roots before the trees are set. Dig the planting 

 hole large enough to take the roots without crowding. Firm the soil well around 

 the roots so that no air spaces are left. After they are planted, prune the trees 

 as outlined under the discussion of pruning on page 8. 



