GROWING APPLES FOR THE HOME 387 



Fertilizers. Fertilizers may be applied to the soil around the 

 tree, eare being taken to apply the material out under the spread 

 of the branches (or even further), where the young feeding roots 

 are, and not close to the trunk. Use small amounts at first, then 

 larger quantities to correspond with the increase in size of the tree, 

 following the suggestions on fertilization in Chapter XII. 



Picking the fruit. Harvesting the fruit may be extended over 

 quite a long period, especially if the apples are picked for immedi- 

 ate consumption. A pole-basket picker may be used to advantage on 

 the old high-headed trees, while on the lower-headed trees, picking 

 may be done by hand. To get within reach of the fruit one may 

 use chairs, tables, stepladders, or regular ladders — anything that will 

 bridge the space. 



In picking or handling it is important to remember that apples 

 are tender and will not stand rough treatment, such as pouring 

 them out of a basket into a barrel and allowing them to drop 

 several feet. Treat them sensibly and they will keep longer, look 

 better, and be more satisfactory in every way. 



Miscellaneous advice. Where the purchaser or owner of a 

 small lot has one or two trees that have been neglected, he may 

 renovate and make them profitable if he will give the necessary 

 time and attention to them. Detailed information for renovating 

 old trees or neglected orchards will be found in the next chapter. 

 Special varieties for the home will also be treated in a later chapter. 



