SOIL 223 



There are several methods of layering commonly employed : 

 The serpentine and the trench layer are perhaps the most 

 practical. Layering is especially valuable for the amateur, 

 because very little knowledge of the growth of a plant is 

 necessary to have good success with layering. The essential 

 step in layering is to break or twist the cane at several points 

 and then cover it up with soil to a depth of several inches. 

 If serpentine layering is the method selected the cane is 

 covered at several places, leaving a corresponding space not 

 covered. Several plants will grow from this parent cane and 

 the young plants can be removed when they have a well- 

 developed root system. 



Soil. — The grape does the best if grown on a good sandy 

 loam. A clay loam is also satisfactory in many cases if it is 

 well drained. The soil should be fertile but not excessively 

 rich. It should be loose and easily worked. The presence 

 of lime in a soil seems to be beneficial. 



The subsoil should be open and somewhat loose in texture. 

 The character of the subsoil is important. The roots are 

 easily injured by excessive heat and draught as well as by 

 standing water, and if the texture of the subsoil is such that 

 the roots cannot penetrate it the vine will usually suffer. 

 This is particularly true if the subsoil is comparatively close 

 to the surface. 



The soils underlaid with a hard pan or those which are 

 inclined to wash badly, as well as poorly drained ones, 

 should always be avoided when selecting a location for the 

 grape. 



The soil should be thoroughly prepared by plowing and 

 harrowing it before planting the grape. • Where conditions 

 warrant it the soil will be greatly improved by incorporating 

 well-rotted manure with it before planting the vines. 



The soil with reference to the general location is impor- 

 tant. The situation for the grape should be one which is 

 protected from cold winds. A warm sunny exposure with a 

 free circulation of air is very desirable. A southern slope 

 generally offers the best location. Other slopes and level 

 land are used extensively for growing the grape, but the fruit 

 is usually a little longer in ripening. Excellent fruit is often 



