VINE UNDER GLASS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 158, 6 July 1935, Page 6 (Supplement)

VINE UNDER GLASS.

HOW TO PRUNE.

The vino In the greenhouse is often the cause of serious thought when it comes to pruning time. To the pr<>fessional it is quite an open book, but to the amateur it is often difficult to orasp tlio method. Vines in houses are usually grown on the single rod tvstem, and along this rod at intervals are "spurs," that, is lateral growths cut back to one bud eacli year, and on these spurs the fruit is produced. Now a vine crrovvn under such conditions is capable of living and fruiting for generations.

The main rod is produced by allowing the top bud to grow on for the season, but at pruning time this must be shortened back to, say, a length of three feet. If left too long the lateral buds will not break properly and evenly, with the result that fruiting spurs are not formed at correct intervals, The spurs are usually situated about 18 inches apart on each side, and alternately, actually giving a fruiting spur at every nine inches of the rod. These spurs must be produced and formed cor-

rectly whilst the cane is young, and any shoots formed between must be rubbed off. Once these spur's are correctly formed pruning is quite easy, consisting simply of cutting back to a good basal bud each winter the current season's growth. Pruning of a young vino may seem to be very severe, but the root's system must be vigorous and healthy, and the lower wood strong and firm — you cannot get grapes on a lot of thin, soft wood.