56 BEGINNER'S BOOK OF GARDENING 



the tree should be planted as near to the surface as 

 possible, the roots being barely covered with soil. 



In planting strawberries the collar or neck of the plant 

 must be only just below the ground. In this, as in all 

 other cases, the roots must be carefully spread out, and 

 not merely planted in a tangled mass. 



There is no question that fruit trees, to succeed to the 

 greatest advantage, should be planted on arable land, and 

 not in grass. Grass within two or three feet of the main 

 stem of a fruit tree has a very retarding effect. Not only 

 does it lead to increased evaporation, but the grass itself 

 absorbs moisture and nourishment at the expense of the 

 vigour of the young tree. It is a good plan to keep the 

 soil round fruit trees not only free from grass and weeds, 

 but also hoed into a light pulverised condition, so as to 

 maintain the warmth of the ground and to hinder 

 evaporation. 



