250 FRUIT GROWING 



straw will also kill all weeds which might in their growth 

 absorb much soil moisture and plant food. 



Although too much growth can hardly take place the 

 first season, it is well to cease cultivation about the first of 

 August so that the trees may have an opportunity to mature 

 their new wood and harden it before winter. Generally a 

 cover crop is sown at this time, which absorbs much of the 

 plant food that might otherwise wash away or leach through 

 the soil. The trees should be carefully watched for climb- 

 ing cut worms, San Jose scale, leaf curl, and webworms. 

 If all insects and diseases are checked as soon as they 

 appear, little injury will result, but carelessness in these 

 matters may prove fatal to young trees. 



In addition to cultivation, it is frequently advisable to 

 feed the trees after planting to enable them to gain a good 

 start. Of all the fertilizers that are used for this purpose, 

 well-decomposed stable manure is the best general fertilizer, 

 and should be applied early enough so that the trees may 

 receive the benefit of it during their early spring growth. 

 Nitrate of soda is sometimes used to stimulate growth. 

 This fertilizer should not come in direct contact with the 

 roots. Being very soluble, it is advisable to make two or 

 three light applications rather than one heavy one. As 

 a source of potash, unleached hardwood ashes or muriate 

 of potash may be used. Some forms of phosphate, as 

 acid phosphate, may also prove beneficial. 



EXERCISES 



1. How many acres of your farm are adapted to fruit 

 growing ? 



2. Describe a near-by site that would be ideal for an orchard. 



