PRELIMINARIES AND THE FIRST YEAR
The seedlings are transplanted, singly, into small containers.
These may be earthenware flower pots, dried half orange skins,
tub-shaped cream cartons or anything similar. The size of the
container (which is to constrict the roots) will help to decide the
ultimate size of the tree and be a guide for the root pruning. The
advantage of the orange skin or the carton is that the tree does
not have to be removed from the container as the roots can be
pruned as they appear through the "skin". (Where a carton is
used, plenty of holes about the size of small confetti should first
be pierced through the lower walls and the bottom.)
Use a good soil in the container, enriching it slightly if necessary. Transplant one seedling to each container. Little more is
done during the first year except to keep the soil moist and at a
mildly warm temperature. If the tree appears to lag somewhat
add a little fertilizer.
The first year's work with the seedling is to establish a well rooted and healthy plant. The rate of growth will depend on
conditions and may vary accordingly. In this period it should
be pruned only very lightly and only when necessary to keep
the roots within the confines of the container. If dried orange
skins or cartons are used the tips of roots are cut off with
scissors as they grow through the container. If an enclosed pot is
used it will be necessary to take the seedling out once or twice in
the first season and lightly trim the tips of the roots in a similar
way. It is undesirable to let the roots grow continuously within
the constricted space so that they strangle one another. You
want naturally formed roots but you want them to be very small.
In the first year merely maintain a "watching brief" and do only
what seems necessary.
After the first season and during the second year the major
part of the operations for stunting are carried out. These attentions are of three kinds:-I. Pruning Roots. 2. Pinching Surplus
Upper Growths. 3. Shaping, Twisting, etc. After any of these
operations, the seedling should be given one or two days' "rest"
by placing it in a shady position.
PRUNING THE ROOTS
From the spring onwards the seedling should normally show
signs of rapid development and will need frequent attention. The
roots should be pruned in the manner described above and can
be, if desired, cut back even a little more. Do not let the roots get
too far ahead before pruning or the growth of the tree may be
uneven and the harder pruning necessary might do some damage
to the tree.
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