Apples These can be obtained as single stem cordons, espaliers, bushes, pyramids, half-standards and standards. They will grow well in any reasonably good and properly drained soil and like an open, sunny situation with free circulation of air. A few varieties, notably Bramley’s Seedling, Blenheim Orange and Ribston Pippin, are self-sterile, which means that their … Read more
On arrival inspect the tree and cut off any damaged roots and shoots Excavate a hole large enough to take all the roots, insert the stake and then the tree, spreading out the roots. When all the roots have been covered, firm the soil. For trees and shrubs this is best done with the feet, … Read more
Fruits can be successfully grown in confined spaces, and produce crops within one to three years after planting. While they generally crop best in sunny positions, gooseberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and strawberries grow satisfactorily in light shade. Shelter from cold north and east winds, particularly at flowering time, is necessary to ensure pollination and fruit set. … Read more
Soil and Situation. Walnuts will succeed in most soils that are not waterlogged, or very poor and liable to dry out severely in summer. Prefer open, sunny places. Planting. As for apples. Space trees at least 30 ft. apart. Forms of Training. Almost invariably grown as standards. Often planted for ornament as well as utility. … Read more
Soil and Situation. Strawberries succeed best in rich soils. They will grow well in heavy loam if good winter drainage can be assured. Phosphates have a marked effect on growth. Soil should be deeply dug, enriched with manure or compost at 1 cwt. to 12-15 sq. yd., and dusted with basic slag at 6 oz. … Read more
Soil and Situation. Raspberries succeed in most soils except those of a very light, dry nature. They appreciate moisture while in growth. Soil must be dug deeply and should be dressed with well-rotted manure at the rate of 1 cwt. to 12 sq. yd., and sulphate of potash at 1 oz. per square yard. Lime … Read more
Soil and Situation. Plums And Damsons succeed best on rather rich, loamy land. Plums and damsons require more nitrogen than apples and are therefore less suitable for ,grass orchards, though certain vigorous varieties, such as Blaisden Red and Pershore, succeed. Lime is beneficial. Sour, poor, and dry, sandy soils are unsuitable. Plums flower early … Read more
Planting and cultivation Success with pears depends largely on your choosing the best possible varieties for your district. The world famous ‘Conference’ and ‘William’s Bon Chretien’ are the best choice for cold, higher altitude areas or exposed coastal districts. The soil should be improved by the addition of plenty of compost. Every early spring feed … Read more
Soil and Situation. Both peaches and nectarines require a warm, sunny position and good, well-drained soil. In these respects they resemble apricots, and the same general treatment should be observed. They are equally suitable for sunny greenhouses or walls and fences. Planting. This may be done at any time during the dormant period as for … Read more
Soil and Situation. Medlars succeed in sunny places and rather rich soils, such as those that suit plums. Planting. From the end of October to mid-March as for apples. Other details are also the same. Trees should be spaced at least 20 ft. apart. Form of Training. Usually grown as a standard but occasionally seen … Read more
Soil and Situation. Grapes can be grown in a wide variety of soils if well prepared. Heavy barns require adequate drainage. Only sandy soils, wet clays, and solid chalks are unsuitable. When grown in a glasshouse it is usual to prepare a special border. This may be surrounded by brick or concrete to prevent roots … Read more
Soil and Situation. Black currants succeed on a wide variety of soils and do not dislike moist conditions, provided their roots do not stand in stagnant water during winter. Flowers are produced early and are liable to be damaged by frost, so hollows which are likely to be frost traps should be avoided. Soil must … Read more
Soil and Situation. Well-drained, loamy soils or loam over chalk are most suitable. Cherries do not thrive on badly drained soils, heavy clays, nor on light sands. They bloom early and are subject to frost damage. In consequence, very exposed positions or damp valleys liable to catch frost are unsuitable. Soil preparation is the same … Read more
There are several ways of arranging the trees in an orchard. The principal are as follows: Square, all trees at equal distances in rows at right angles to one another. Quincunx, as the last with one tree in the middle of each square. Triangular, trees at the points of an equal sided triangle, this being … Read more
One item that sometimes puzzles amateurs is the question of the age at which a fruit tree may be safely moved. There is no rule about this, as so much depends on the history of the tree. In nurseries, trees for sale are frequently moved and induced to form fibrous roots near the main stem. … Read more
In the nursery plot, we are dealing mostly with tiny seedlings, and here it is rather important that there should be no stones of any considerable size. On stiff clay soils it pays to dig the plot well as for ordinary cultivation of crops, and then to top dress all over it with a 3 … Read more
Should it be thought desirable to move a rather large specimen from one part of the garden to another, the safest plan is to space the operation over two or three years in this way. The first winter a semicircular trench is opened at some distance from the tree roots that cross this open trench … Read more
Planting time for trees of deciduous character, such as the flowering cherries, plums, apples, laburnums and so on is any time when the leaves are absent, i.e., from about October to March, but with most of them the best month of all is October. A few rather tender trees, such as the magnolias, are better … Read more
Internal division hedges in a garden are sometimes desirable for the purpose of outlining the sections without completely screening them. A hedge of lavender round a sunk garden serves as a frame to this feature, and gives a feeling of privacy without interfering with the view across it. A low hedge sometimes takes the place … Read more
A decision as to the number of plants needed must first be made. If a neat formal hedge of clipped evergreens, thick from base to top, is wanted with all possible speed it is wise to be generous with the order, and to allow for a double row of plants, staggered, that is set in … Read more
Preparation of Sites and Planting To ensure rapid establishment and satisfactory growth of trees it is essential to prepare each site by taking out a hole for each tree (of normal nursery size) at least 3 ft. in diameter and 1 ½ ft. deep. If in the course of this preparation, chalk, gravel, sand, clay … Read more
Ignore people who tell you to sow peas at carefully spaced intervals. Sow them thickly in wide trenches and they will need little support as the plants will help hold each other up. Choose one of the semi-leafless varieties like ‘Bikini’ and they will need no support. When erecting poles to support runner beans or … Read more
The planting season for fruits other than strawberries extends from leaf-fall, usually early in November, until the resumption of growth in March or early April but always slightly later in the north. For rapid re-establishment close contact is necessary between the particles of moist soil and the tiny root hairs. This is more likely to … Read more
Today, many people begin gardening, which often means tree and shrub planting, without the slightest previous practical experience. Therefore, terms and phrases of whose meanings they may be entirely ignorant are found regularly, even in the popular press. A deciduous tree or shrub is one that is bare of leaves in winter, then sprouts them … Read more