Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thursday, Feb. 27, 1969—PAGE 7 tr Bobby Underwood, center, receives a Certificate of Appreciation from Exchange Club President Andrew Shealy, after addressing the club Tuesday night on the subject of the Beckman Mental Health Clinic in Green wood. At left is program chairman, F. P. Bradfield. (Sun- photo) gram. SOIL & SITES—Figs will grow in a wide variety of soil types but a well drained sandy loam or sandy clay loam is preferred. The soil should be fertile and should contain a very high percent of organic matter. Since fig trees need an ade quate amount of moisture to retain and mature a crop, they should not be planted on drou ghty-type soils. It is advisable in the Pied mont to plant figs near build ings for protection from cold. However, excessive shading should be avoided. Fig trees are susceptible to nematodes. For this reason avoid planting trees in infested areas. If a site is suspected of being infes ted with nematodes, treat with a soil fumigant. VARIETIES—Brown Turkey and Celeste: The varieties of the California type fig should not be planted in this state since they require cross polli nation. No wild plants are av ailable to furnish this pollen nor is the insect that carries this pollen found in this area. If such plants are used, they will be unfruitful. PLANTING—One-year old plants should be transplanted at least 1 to 2 inches deeper than originally grown in the nursery. If a larger planting is to be set, space plants 16 feet apart in rows 18 feet wide. Prepare the soil thoroughly, and on sloping sites lay off rows on contour. For trees— row ridges, prepare as describ ed for fruit trees. FERTILIZATION—The am ount of fertilizer to be applied depends primarily on the fer tility of the soil. Generally, liberal fertiliza tion is recommended since the failure of many of our figs to produce can be attributed tc the lack of or improper ferti lization. Usually, figs will need one pound of fertilizer per foot of height of bush using 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. This should be broadcast uniformly under the spread of the branches and applied in three applications: one-third in late winter, one- third in early June, and one- third in late July. For example if a fig bush is 9 feet tall, 3 pounds of fertilizer should be applied in early March, three pounds in early June and three pounds in late July. , PRUNING—Very light pru ning of figs is necessary. Re move dead branches and thin slightly to allow penetration of sunlight and air movement. The fig tree can be kept in bounds by judicious pruning, but heavy pruning is discouraged since it often stimulates succulent growth. CULTURAL PRACTICES — When trees are planted near buildings, all that is required is that weed growth be kept down either by hoeing or mow ing. The County Agents Column How To Control Nematodes In Home Gardens What are nematodes? These are very tiny, invisi ble round worms that live most ly in the soil. There are several different kinds that feed on plant roots, but the one which caused the most damage is called “root knot nematodes.” It damages almost any vege table that grows in the spring, summer and fall, except corn. How can one be sure that nematodes are causing dam age? The root knit nematodes work their way into very young roots of most all vegetable type plants. On the inside of the roots, they feed by sucking juices. The roots begin to swell soon after the tiny worms enter and within a few days small knots can be seen. After a few weeks, or even sooner for some vegetables, the knots on the roots become as large as a pea and may eventually get as big as a dime or quarter. The above ground growth be comes yellow and stunted and the plants may die in the long run. The vegetables which form are usually of low quality and yields are poor. How can nematodes be con trolled in the garden? Once the nematodes get on the roots of vegetable plants, there is very little that can be done except to be sure that the plants are fertilized prop erly and plenty of water is giv en to them. The time to control nema todes is before the vegetable is planted. There are three things that should be done: Move the garden place each year if this is possible. Plant small grains such as rye or oats or even corn or sorghum on the land before planting it back to vegetables. This will not eliminate nematodes, but will tend to keep populations from building up. Plant only the latest recom mended vegetable varieties. Some of these will have some resistance to root knot nema todes. See your county agent about these varieties. FIGS—You know figs will grow satisfactorily anywhere in the state. Despite this fact, figs have never been planted in South Carolina too extensively for commercial use. About the only figs available for purchase are those from farms that have produced an excess above the needs of the farm. Every farm and garden should have one or more fig plants since they do not require a pest control pro- Bank Americard is the credit card for everything and it s good almost everywhere! BankAmericard covers retail purchases...professional services... travel and entertainment expenses. BankAmericard is welcomed at 9,000 places in South Carolina and over 300,000 South Carolinians are card holders. BankAmericard is also accepted at 397,000 merchant locations in 42 states, plus 6 foreign countries. BankAmericard is even good for cash at any BankAmericard bank. With BankAmericard, you receive just one itemized monthly bill for all your purchases. 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