540 



GROWING BUSH FRUITS 



In setting black and purple varieties of raspberries, com- 

 munication of anthracnose to the young plants may be pre- 

 vented by removing and destroying the old stubs or canes 

 which have no use except convenience in handling, and as 

 markers for the rows. 



The spade may be substituted for the plow in planting. 

 Push it into the ground, work it forward, and insert the plant 

 behind it, shaking out the roots. Remove the spade and firm 

 the soil about the plant with the foot. 



If the young plants have started growth, the buds and new 

 shoots will be very soft and easily broken. Handle them with 

 great care. It is evident that only strong, well-rooted, healthy 

 plants should be used. Discard all others. 



9. Managing the Soil. 



Procedure: 



(a) Cultivating the soil. 



(b) Fertilizing the plants. 



(a) Cultivating the Soil. Begin cultivation as soon as the 

 plants are set. There is no substitute for it in the commercial 

 plantation. The canes will not make vigorous growth or carry 

 the crop to maturity without an abundance of moisture. Much 

 of the root system is close to the surface. Grass and weeds 

 rob it of water. 



Whatever the type of row to be developed, cultivate both 

 ways during the first season if possible. Finish with the hand 

 hoe. Tilled or hoed crops between the rows during the first 

 year may insure thorough care to the brambles themselves, 

 and bring some return, though of course they increase the ex- 

 pense of cultivation. Raise crops adapted to the region for 

 which there is use on the farm, or a market outside, except 

 crops that necessitate stirring the ground late in the season, 

 as late potatoes. The latter may induce growth of canes 

 beyond the normal time limit, and increase the danger of 

 winter injury. 



