THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9022, 7 April 1888, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 14. TRANSPLANTING DIRECTIONS. The season for planting being almost at

k o, d, the following transplanting directions, whir , - have been p. <pared with the greatest fjur* t*s. :•-'< A.fr'iOiol desire to aid and impress upon all engaged in the important work of tree planting to have the work done thoroughly and well; and as no amount of after care can compensate for neglect at planting, I earnestly request the most careful attention to all the details. The necessary instructions are compiled in as simple a manner as possible, so as to enable success with the most inexperienced if they carefully comply with the following directions. Years of experience have taught me that bad planting and neglect are in almost all instances the cause of failure (provided of course the plants are suitable for the climate and situation where they are intended). In supplying the following instructions as to planting and treatment, I take it for granted that the tree has been properly grown, and is in good condition for removal at the time of planting. PREPARATION OF THE SOIL. For fruit trees the condition of the soil must be such ae would be adapted to grow farm crops successfully. If the land is not in such condition it can be made so by thoroughly under-draining and trenching or sub-ploughing. It is of the utmost importance to have the soil well-drained to prevent injury to the roote from stagnant water. On sloping grounds an excellent plan to carry off surface water from the roots is to dig a small open trench on the lower side of each tree. If the whole area cannot be treated before planting, strips from six to eight feet wide where the rows of trees are to stand should be prepared by trenching or sub-ploughing. The remainder may be completed at leisure as the trees advance in growth. If the soil in which the trees are to be planted be of ordinary fertility no manure will be necessary ; but if poor, some well rotted manure should be used, well mixed with the soil in planting. The general oharacter of the soil best adapted for fruit trees is any fairly good loam with an open sub-soil sufficiently well drained to prevent stagnant water accumulating near the roots. ASPECT AND SITUATION. Situation has often to be accepted, but where there is a choice the best site to select for an orchard in the vicinity of Auckland is one slightly undulating facing the north, or better still the north-east. SHELTER Iβ indispensable, and where not naturally provided, must be supplied by planting trees and shrubs that are hardy and of quick growth. The row of trees next to the shelter-belt should be planted at a sufficient distance away from the shelter to be beyono. the reach of their roots. The value of shelter for an orchard cannot be over estimated. By a judicious selection of trees for this purpose both beauty and shelter may be combined ; varieties useful for commercial purposes miiy also be employed. PREPARATION OF THE TREES FOR PLANTING. This important operation is too often overlooked, the general practice is to plant the tree in the ground just as received from the nursery, whereas all roots that have been bruised by the spade in lifting, and any that have been broken in packing or transit must be removed with a sharp knife, making a clean smooth cut. The ends of lone roote should be shortened back, thus affording a better chance for the new fibrous roote to start. It is an advantage to dip the roots before planting into a mixture of soil made soft by water. This treatment heals the cuts more quickly and is a help in planting when dry. When trees ha ve become shrivelled through long journeys or delay in transport, lay them down on the surface of the ground and cover them completely over with moist soil, allowing them to remain covered for a few days. This method will quite restore them if not too far gone. Great damage is done to trees when the roots are allowed to remain exposed before planting. Immediately the trees are unpacked the roots should be put in theground ('' heeled in" being the practical term applied to this operation) to prevent their becoming too dry. The trees are too often thrown down in a heap and roots exposed as the planting proceeds. This treatment has a most injurious effect upon peaches and others whose roots are delicate. Kepos.