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As fruit trees and
bushes have to grow on the same piece of ground for several years, you must
cultivate the plot thoroughly and deeply. The best method is bastard
trenching, breaking up the sub-soil as far as possible. Do this over the
whole fruit plot—especially on heavy soils—not just where the tree or bush
is to stand.
As to manure, the general rule is that bush fruits need much bulky
organic stuff, which provides the soil with plenty of humus (see
January Guide). Through generous manuring
the moisture is retained near the surface and close to the shallow roots of
bush fruits. Use farmyard manure, if you can get it; if not, you could use
good stuff from the compost heap, decayed lawn clippings or similar
material. Apply between the first and second spits when bastard trenching.
When planting cordon apples give similar treatment, making the border so
treated 3 ft. wide. In the open garden, if the soil is in an average state
of fertility, no special treatment is needed and no bulky manure should be
applied, since this would hasten growth and delay fruiting.
When you come to planting, use a line to keep the rows straight and
put in sticks to show the position of each tree or bush. Provided the
weather is not frosty, you can plant at any time between late autumn and the
end of March, but, if possible, plant in late autumn. Don't plant when the
ground is too wet or too sticky; wait until it is reasonable dry and
workable. If the weather is frosty when you get your trees or bushes, cover
the roots with soil and wait until you can plant out. |
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