A plow should be never used, as it will more or less disturb the roots, but a cultivator should be used. On a light, porous soil, a mulching of coarse, strawy manure should be kept around the roots, as it retains the moisture. In heavy, wet, or clayey soils, mulching should not be tolerated, as it holds too much moisture near the surface, which sours the ground, and the surface roots will be destroyed in consequence. On the contrary, the face of the soil should be kept open by frequently stirring it with the hoe or cultivator, so that it will more readily admit the air, and with it, heat and moisture. Two or three years old plants are best for transplanting. SFCC 18.2