-6- 



generally recommended because it over-winters and in the spring growth usually 

 is vigorous. If the crop is not worked in the soil while still young and 

 succulent, it is "woody" and decomposes slowly without an application of a 

 nitrogenous fertilizer. 



Establishing a S od the Year of Planting 



The grower may desire to disk the crchard during the spring and early summer 

 the year of planting to smooth the area, break up debris and prepare a better 

 seed bed. The land should be limed previously so that it can be thoroughly 

 worked into the soil. This brings about a quicker change in pH than by top 

 dressing with lime. The grass mixture with or without an accompanying nurse 

 crop of oats can be sown anytime during the summer when soil moisture is 

 sufficient for a good "catch". 



The sowing of grass can be preceded by sowing a green manure crop of Sudan 

 grass, millet or a mixture of both during the summer. The green-manure crop 

 should be worked under so that the seed bed can be prepared for the grass mixture 

 which should be seeded before the end of August. In preparing the seed bed for 

 the grass mixture, work in 200 to 300 pounds of 5-20-20 per acre. Let the soil 

 set 2 or 3 weeks to firm the seed bed. This should improve the "catch" of grass 

 when seeded. It may be necessary to work the soil at least once during this 2 

 or 3 week period to eradicate weeds. A grass mixture of 5 lbs. of timothy, 2 

 lbs. alsike clover and 8 lbs. of medium red clover with 50 pounds of oats as a 

 nurse crop would be a satisfactory mixture. 



Weed Control 



The suppression of grass and other weeds will aid materially in tree growth. 

 The use of ample mulch, which not only will help suppress grass and weeds but 

 furnishes other side benefits is the best method of control. 



Herbicides to control grass and weeds are being used rather extensively. 

 However, successful use of chemical weed killers requires close attention to 

 details. With chemical weed control it is necessary to - read the label - follow 

 the instructions - apply only on crops specified - not apply more than the 

 suggested amount - make applications during suggested seasons - and calibrate the 

 sprayer to insure rate of application. 



There is interest in the use of black plastic as a means of weed control, 

 conserving moisture, and improving tree growth. Black plastic provides cover 

 for mice and growers must be alert for their activity. Material and placement 

 cost are other factors to be considered. 



Prunin g 



Pruning is essential for the development of strong frame work on young trees. 

 However, it is a dwarfing process and delays bearing and, therefore, should be 

 limited to essential cuts. The problem in some orchards is that young trees 

 receive little or no corrective pruning during the first 6 or 8 years. 



Stub pruning is being advocated in some states. We have much to learn about 

 this system of pruning in Massachusetts, however. This type of pruning involves 

 the dwarfing instead of removal of extra limbs that might compete with desirable 

 scaffold limbs. The theory behind stub pruning is that by leaving extra limbs in 



