CULTIVATION. FERTILIZATION. THINNING 53 



CULTIVATION OF BEARING TREES. It rarely pays 

 to attempt the growing of any ' ' side ' ' crop in an old, 

 bearing orchard. The tree roots need and occupy 

 all the ground. Plow the orchard just as soon as the 

 soil is dry enough in the spring. Four inches deep 

 is about right. One year plow " up " to the tree rows ; 

 the next year plow "away. 

 Always plow in the same general 

 direction. Endeavor to keep the 

 surface about level during the 

 growing season. Harrow the 

 ground regularly and often. 

 Stop cultivation about August THE ACME IS A GOOD 

 first later if season is dry, ORCHARD HARROW 

 earlier if season is wet. Seed down to some cover crop. 



FALL -PLOWING OF ORCHARDS. Some growers 

 advocate a second plowing, to take place when regu- 

 lar cultivation ceases. They say : ' ' Plow up to the 

 trees so as to facilitate drainage during fall and 

 winter; this ridging -up also helps to protect the 

 roots from cold. ' ' In some soils and climates the 

 idea is perhaps sound ; on properly-drained ground 

 not too far north, it seems unnecessary. After August 

 plowing, the harrow and the cover crop should 

 immediately follow, of course. 



SUBSTITUTE FOR CULTIVATION. The "mulch 

 system ' ' has its advocates, and its faults and advan- 

 tages. Its main faults are : It furnishes a harboring 

 place for mice and insects ; it does not stimulate tree 

 growth, if growth is wanted ; it favors fungous 

 troubles. Its main advantages are : Lessened labor 

 (which is somewhat offset by the necessity of mowing 

 grass and weeds which may push through the mulch) ; 



