54 



and with this knowledge, growers should not hesitate to plant trees 

 and follow approved methods in their care. Any plan, however, 

 which will reduce the cash outlay in growing a young orchard will 

 be welcomed by all classes of fruit growers. 



The Aim. 



In the development of young orchards, the aim should be to 

 grow the very best trees at a minimum cost. Any plan of culture 

 which does not have this high purpose should be condemned. The 

 growing of crops between the trees is a secondary matter and should 

 not at any time interfere with such treatment as will result in per- 

 fectly healthy and properly grown trees. 



Inter-cropping in orchards has not been popular with the rank 

 and file of orchardists, mainly for three reasons. First, it has been 

 claimed that the trees need all the plant food naturally furnished by 

 the soil and any additional amount that the grower might be able 

 to supply, and that the cultivation of companion crops necessarily 

 robs the trees. This is a weak arg'ument and many instances might 

 be cited where ample food has been supplied for both trees and com- 

 panion crops, which of course is absolutely essential to success, both 

 from the standpoint of the orchard and of the inter-tillage crops. 

 Second, it has been claimed that tillage is interfered with when 

 crops are grown between the trees. This may or may not be true. 

 It depends upon the character of the crop selected and also upon 

 the method and frequency of cultivation. By choosing the right crop 

 and by giving it the right kind of tillage the trees will not suffer from 

 lack of cultivation. Third, the most justifiable reason for not inter- 

 cropping is that it places additional irons in the fire, some of which 

 are likely to be burned. To engage in market gardening or potato 

 culture on a large scale in connection with orcharding requires con- 

 siderable executive ability. Not all men can succeed in handling 

 garden crops on a large scale and at the same time give the trees 

 proper attention. 



Inter-Cropping Becoming More Popular. 



In recent years, however, inter-cropping is becoming more pop- 

 ular. It is not difficult to cite instances where the plan has been 

 worked out with entire success. One of the best examples is that 

 of the well known horticulturist, Mr. H. C. Suavely, Lebanon, Pa. 

 Mr. Suavely was formerly chairman of the General Fruit Committee 

 of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and he is recognized as 

 one of the most intelligent and successful orchardists in the state. 

 In 1907 Mr. Suavely planted four rows of potatoes thirty-four 

 inches apart, using the variety known as Carman No. 3, between 

 the peach trees which were set at standard distances. The land 

 previous to the setting of trees was plowed very deep and thoroughly 

 harrowed. Ne fertilizer was used for the trees at the time of plant- 

 ing, but 1,000 pounds of 2-8-7 mixture was applied in drills for the 

 potatoes. Thorough tillage was given during the season. The po- 

 tatoes were planted April 5th. From twelve acres, 2,000 bushels of 

 potatoes were harvested and the trees made a most satisfactory 

 growth. The trees for tMs orchard were the largest that could be 



