TRANSPLANTING SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21153, 9 April 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

TRANSPLANTING SEASON.

RULES TO BE OBSERVED. As the season for lifting and transplanting fruit, shelter, and other trees and plants is again approaching it behoves all intending planters to lose no time in placing tho ground in order. There is no better timo than during tho summer or early autumn for breaking up and proparing any land in which fruit or other trees are to bo planted. The earlier, in fact,' this work can bo performed tho hotter, for no matter what its character, it cannot fail to bo benefited by being broken up and exposed to the sweetening influenco of tho sun and air. But apart from this, when tho work is started early, it allows for drainage and other matters that aro essential for the success. Ont» of the most important essentials in transplanting is to have the soil in the best, possible condition before starting to plant. VARYING CONDITIONS. Tho amount of preparation required will naturally depend largely upon tho naturo of tiie soil. This varies so widely lis different localities that no definito rule will apply. One thing, however, iii essential —whatever the nature of the soil, there must be a free outlet for surplus moisture, as few trees can thrive when water is allowed to stngnato at their roots. In soils of a heavy or clayey naturo a class of soil in which fruit trees, especially pip fruits, aro largely grown, sonic form of drainage must be provided. Where tho land is of an undulating character deep double ploughing will often provide tho necessary outlet, besides providing a good depth of well-broken-up soil for the roots to extend. Soils, on tho other hand, that are of a deep alluvial nature may requiro but little preparation before planting, particularly if the land has been broken up and used for other crops. In such soil, simply digging or ploughing where the trees aro to bo planted is sufficient. POSITIONS OF THE TREES. In addition to preparing tho soil the planning of positions for the trees should bo carefully considered. Varieties vary as to the soil best suited to their growth, for while peaches, nectarines, plums—in fact most stone fruits—as well as lemons and other citrus fruits, succeed best when grown upon deep, friable soils, pip fruits succeed best and fruit abundantly when grown in stiffer, but well drained land. A plan of tho orchard should be made, so that at the timo of planting the names and positions tho trees occupy in the rows can be noted for futuro reference. To the amateur, especailly, such a record will be most interesting and useful, as if any of the varieties, after the trees arrived at tho fruiting stage, proved unfruitful or unsuited for requirements, he would, upon referring to his plan, know the names of the varieties to discard or be able to avoid duplicating tho same variety when replanting. IMPORTANCE OF RECORDS. With very many amateur growers all interest in tho varieties ceases with the planting of the trees, for although almost every variety is correctly named and labels are attached to the trees when received from the nurseries, the names are soon obliterated by heavy ruins. Thus, if no other record is kept, the names of the varieties are lost. Another important matter is the selection of varieties to plant, and in this there is no belter time than during Iho fruiting season, when the respective merits of the varieties are in evidence. If at this time notes were, taken of the qualities of the fruits, thenseason of ripening and cropping capabilities, there would be little risk of making «* wrong selection. The best trees to plant are healthy, well-rooted, two-year-old plants that have not been unduly forced with manures. Such trees, if well planted and receivo reasonable attention, quickly become established and make fine growth.

THE CITRUS FAMILY. Lemons are grown with varying success almost throughout the whole, of the Auckland province, and even in more soutlieily districts, when planted near the east coast and in suitable soils. The success attained, however, depends largely upon the character and condition of the soil and the cultural treatment given. Ihe soil in which lemons and other of the citius family succeed best is that of a deep, rich loam, or soils of an alluvial nature. In soils of this character there is almost sure to he a free outlet f™\ "'''Tmoisture and no need for artificial drain"'in most districts soils adapted for lemon culture aro to bo found. If deeply and thoroughly worked and provided with sufficient plant food, the soils will grow lemons successfully, providing, of com he, that the districts where planted are not subject to frosts sufficiently severe to destroy their growth. WOOD ASII AS MANURE. A manure which may be made at home, but which, through ignorance, is frequently wasted, consists of wood ashes. These produced by the burning of wood as fuel (when not mixed with coal), primings, hedge clippings, and anything else of a woody character, on account of the great quality of potash they contain, are most valuable. Scattered lightly over seedbeds of every description, either before or after sowing, and also when the seedlings arc up, they encourage quick growth and increase fruitfulness. I hey are particularly valuable for spieading around trees, shrubs, and the various other plants.