(Read Preface) 10 



REQUIREMENTS AND LETHODS OF GROMNG THE APRICOT 



Climatic Requirements- 



In general: Freedom from frosts at time of blooming, which occurs 



early. Warm growing season. 



Soil Requirements- By proper selection of stock can be grown on wide range 



of soil - light sands to adcbe, altho light soils 

 are far preferable. Depth of 6' or more required. 



Water Requirements - Natural rainfall often aided by irrigation. 



Setting Out and Caring for Orchards to Maturity- 



Distance Apart of Trees 



Average Number per Acre 



Time of Planting Out 



Age to Self-Sustaining Crop 



Age to Maturity 



Most Popular Varieties 



Length of Profitable Life 



24' X 24' 

 76 



January, February or March 

 5 years 

 8 years 



Royal, Blenheim, Henskirk, Newcastle 

 Estimated 30 years. 

 Calendar of Operations to iiiaturity : 



Irrigation : IVhen given, twice by furrows - June and October 



or November. Sometimes a February irrigation 

 given . 

 Pruned annually in January or February to form 



head. Sometimes in July. 

 Cover crops for soils lacking in body. Usually 



intercropped . 

 Not usually necessary. 

 Plowed in October - November, cross plowed in 



February and March, harrowed twice, cultivated 

 at 6 v/eeks' intervals from April to July. 

 Usually borne by intercrop. 

 Com.panion Cropping: Often intercropped to berries, small fruits, 



beans, beets, corn, and sometimes alfalfa. 

 Usually discontinued 'after trees are 3 or 4 years 

 old. 



Caring for Bearing Orchards - 



Calendar of Operations : 



Irrigation : T.vice, June or July and October, by furrows. Some- 

 times in February. 



Pruning : July - October. To head in, shape tree emd 



mature fruit. 



Fertilizing : Cover crops grovm v/hen soil lacks body. 



Pruning 



Fertilizing 



Spraying 

 Cultivation 



