Gardeners’ Queries

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31088, 17 June 1966, Page 6

Gardeners’ Queries

Enclosed specimens of leaves from our lemon tre. which is growing in a lawn. It has really been a disap* pointment to us, making very little growth and not looking very “bright," as you will no doubt observe from the leaves. Should we persevere with it or dispose of it?—M.M. (Christchurch).

The specimens reveal no signs of pests or diseases but are symptomatic of malnutrition, undoubtedly aggravated by growing in competition with the grass. This is quite a common problem because there is frequently little realisation that a lemon tree, unlike most other subjects, has no real dormant period as it is producing dowers, fruit and new growth almost all the time. In consequence there is a greater uptake of nutrients from the soil and a need to provide regular fertilisers. A suitable mixture could be made up of five parts sulphate Of ammonia; four parts superphosphate: one part potash applied annually at the rate of one pound for every year of the tree’s life up to a maximum of 10 pounds. Until a tree is at least five years old it should not be grown in competition with grass; instead dig over a circle of three feet diameter around it and keep this cultivated or preferably mulched.

Please Identify the enclosed apple.—J.D. (St. Albans). It appears to be a Dunn’s Favourite. I am enclosing a piece of rose stem coveed In a green fungus. Most of my roses, especially the older wood, are thus covered and It seems to be killing them. I have tried three sprays, namely Cuprox, Bordeaux mixture and soap suds, without achieving any results. What should be done to get rid of this growth?—“Rose Lover” (West Coast). It is surprising that you failed to dispose of the moss when you applied Bordeaux mixture. This is a preparation recommended for eradication of moss, algae and lichens, which are often in wet or damp situations. However, lime sulphur or winter oil are more effective and I would use either in preference to Bordeaux mixture. These could be applied to other plants as well but winter oil must not be used on evergreens at any time and only in winter on deciduous subjects. Crape vine trouble.—C.R. (Papanul).

The pathogen on your diseased grape vine, sent in several weeks ago, appears to be that of grape canker, a not

altogether commonly recorded disease for which there is no cure. If it continues to develop next season the best thing to do would be to dig it up and burn it. Can you give me any advice on growing gerberas, please?—S.J. (Christchurch). These highly attractive flowers do best in unlimed, lighter types of soil which are well drained, open, and in full sun. Ample organic matter, good spacing and planting rather shallowly so that the crown is just above soil level are additional points to observe in their successful cultivation. Regular watering during the hot summer months can be reduced if a good mulch is applied in spring time. Although applications of inorganic fertilisers can be recommended care must be taken not to overdo it as excessive leaf growth can result at the expense of flowers. An argument has arisen concerning t*>e use of certain fruit to tenderise meat. Is this fact ur fallacy? If correct, could you please tell us which fruit(s) can be used for this purpose.— "Knowall” (Christchurch). t The juice of paw-paw and Chinese gooseberries are the only fruits used to tenderise meat, as far as I am aware.