94 Bush-Fruits 



PLANTING 



The question of when to plant should precede the ques- 

 tion of how to plant. As noted in Chapter I, there are 

 advantages both in spring and in fall planting. Few 

 failures are likely to result in either case if proper pre- 

 cautions are taken. Plants set in late fall should be pro- 

 tected with a covering of soil or coarse manure during 

 the winter. In the great Plains region of the Middle 

 West, fall planting is less likely to succeed than in the 

 moister climates of the East. Winter drought there pre- 

 vails as well as summer drought, and plants often perish 

 for lack of moisture during the winter months. 



Neither is fall planting to be generally advised under 

 conditions at the opposite extreme, where the rainfall is 

 excessive and the winters open, but with much alternate 

 freezing and thawing, as along the southern New England 

 coast. In such localities excessive heaving may cause 

 serious loss. Under average conditions, fall planting is to 

 be preferred to late spring planting. If the work can be 

 done at the right time, plant in spring; if not, plant in 

 fall. 



Thorough soil preparation is the first essential m the 

 planting of all fruits. This has already been discussed, but 

 can hardly be over-emphasized. Soil texture is one of the 

 fundamental factors in soil fertility, and good tillage is one 

 of the primary means by which it may be secured. Thor- 

 ough, deep plowing and harrowing will not only make the 

 work of planting easier and more effective, but will add 

 much to the later growth and development of the plants. 

 Any previous treatment which will increase the humus 



