HARVESTING THE PEACH CROP 



211 



needed. These may be pinched off or cut with a pocket knife. 

 (Fig. 139). 



Fertilizing the Peaches.- — On light sandy soils considerable com- 

 mercial fertilizer should be used, particularly in the growing of the 

 young trees. In the early growth use a mixture containing con- 

 siderable nitrate or ammonia (Fig. 140). As the trees reach bearing 

 age use a larger proportion of phosphoric acid and potash and 

 reduce the quantity of nitrogen. It is best to make the fertilizer 

 mixture at home to suit the soil and the conditions of the trees. 



The best time to apply commercial fertilizer is just after turning' 



Fig. 137. —The cover crop is sown early to make a good growth before winter. (Indiana 



Station.) 



under the green manure crop. Harrowing or cultivation which 

 follows the spring plowing will help to incorporate the fertilizer 

 with the soil. 



If soils are heavy little if any fertilizer is necessary in addition 

 to the green manure added by the plowing under of the winter 

 cover crop. 



Harvesting the Peach Crop. — For home use it is well to let the 

 peaches become fully mature on the trees before picking. They 

 should be watched enough to have them picked before they fall to 

 the ground. For market purposes it is necessary to pick them 



