Democratic Sentinel, Volume 22, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1898 — Nut Trees. [ARTICLE]

Nut Trees.

The age at which any nut trees come into bearing depends on the care given to the trees. Some authorities state that fifteen or twenty years are necessary to bring them into full bearing from the time the nut is planted. This is a mistake, as trees that have been well cared for should bear a bushel of nuts in ten years, and the amount will increase rapidly each year after that time. Some may enjoy raising these trees from seed; to be sure, it is rather a slow process, but it is Interesting work. When planting the nuts, if they have thin shells, be perfectly sure that they have not dried out at all. The best plan is to get them as soon as they ripen and plant them at once. When this Is not possible, keep them In moist sand or sawdust until they can be started. Butternuts, walnuts, hickory nuts and filberts, being hard-shelled, will keep In growing condition much longer, but should be planted in the fall, as they germinate better when allowed to freeze, as that cracks the shell. The fall planting Is nature’s own plan, and the nearer we follow her ways the better results we may expect Another thing, do not plant the nuts deep; nature drops them on the surface and gives them a thick covering of leaves in which the dirt catches as it blows about then the snow covers all and helps the leaves to decay and form a covering of leaf mould for the tree to grow in. It Is not practicable for any of us to try to raise all these kind of nuts, but select the ones most likely to succeed in our climate and by proper care and attention make a success of it. We may not reap the benefit- of our labors, but our children will, and theirs after them.—Vick’s Magazine.