If the
ground is ready in EARLY spring, I should advise no delay. A
year's growth is gained by setting out the vines at once. As a
rule I do not advise late spring planting--that is, after the buds
have started on the young vines. They may live, but usually they
scarcely do more, the first year.
In ordering from a nursery I should ask for vigorous, well-rooted
two-year-old vines, and I should be almost as well contented with
first-class one-year-olds. If any one should advertise "extra
large, strong vines, ready to bear at once," I should have nothing
to do with him. That's a nursery trick to get rid of old stock.
The first year after the shock of removal a vine should not be
permitted to bear at all; and a young vigorous vine is worth a
dozen old stunted ones.
Having procured the vines, keep them in a cool, moist place until
ready to plant. Never permit the roots to become dry; and if some
of them are long and naked, shorten them to two feet, so as to
cause them to throw out side fibrous roots, which are the true
feeders. Excavate holes of ample size, so that all the roots may
be spread out naturally. If you have reason to think the ground is
not very good, two or three quarts of fine bone-dust thoroughly
mixed with the soil that is placed on and about the roots will
give a fine send-off.
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