116 



SUCCESSFUL PllUIT CULTURE 



out with a plow or a marker. The distance of planting 

 most practiced is eight by ten feet, though small grow- 

 ing vines ma}^ be planted six by ten feet. Close planting 

 has a tendency to cause mildew and rot, especially if 

 planted on land not fully exposed to air and sunlight. 



Planting — The crown of the vine should not be 

 planted deep, as the grape roots naturally run very near 

 the surface. Three or four inches is deep enough for 

 tlie crown, but the ends of the roots should be put 

 down into the moist soil, as seen in Figure 61. It is 



Fig. 61— Planting the Grapevine 



sometimes the practice to put the roots on the sloping 

 side of a furrow, with the crown four inches deep and 

 the root spread out flat, at an angle of about forty-five 

 degrees, then covering with soil and pressing it firmly 

 about them. If a double furrow is plowed, leaving a 

 ridge between them, the vine can be easily and quickly 

 planted. The best surface soil should be used in filling 

 in about the roots, and if it is very poor a little fine 

 ground bone should be well mixed with the soil at 

 planting. 



Fertilization — The grape does not require a large 

 amount of fertilizers. The elements most needed are 



