Gardening in Californi 



be spread over the roots to the depth of about two inches, the 

 soil being thrown from the stem of the plant toward the ends of 

 the roots. This is of considerable importance, as the throwing 

 of the soil from the ends of the roots toward the stem has a 

 tendency to double up the roots, not only thereby injuring them 

 by twisting, but, when they start into growth, causing them to 

 grow toward the stem and to crowd into bunches and mat 

 around the stem, instead of starting away from the stem in 

 search of fresh soil, as they would do under natural circumstances. 



When the roots are covered with two inches of soil, it is 

 necessary to shake the stem a little so as to get all the soil settled 

 among the roots. Then the hole should be filled in, to within 

 three inches of the top, and should be given a good soaking of 

 water. The hole should be filled with water two or three times, 

 this being allowed to entirely soak away ; when the hole is partly 

 dry, it should be filled up to the top with soil. 



Should the tree, which is being planted, be over four feet 

 in height, it would be well to stake it with a stout pole, the tree 

 being tied securely to the pole to prevent the action of the wind 

 from moving the tree before it has made fresh roots. 



In the case of a large deciduous tree, the stake should be 

 driven into the bottom of the hole before planting, and the 

 roots spread about the stake, for, if the stake should be driven 

 into the ground after the tree is set out and the hole filled in, 

 the driving in of the stake would very likely injure and disturb 

 the roots. 



If a stake should be required for an evergreen plant, it should 

 be driven obliquely into the side of the hole and clear of the 

 roots, and, of course, the plant should be tied securely to the 

 stake. 



In staking or supporting a newly planted tree or shrub, great 

 care must be taken to prevent the bark from being injured through 

 rubbing against the stake. In order to prevent this, a padding 

 of old rubber or a wisp of straw, or some other soft material, 



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