SMALL FRUITS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 18

SMALL FRUITS

Attention Required Loganberries having ceased to bear, the rods that have borne the fruit may be cut away so as to give all the space to the young rods, which will bear fruit next season. But this should be done only when a sufficient number of young shoots has been secured. The rods will bear fruit two seasons, but it is recognised as best to fruit them once only. Because strawberries have done fruiting is no reason why the beds should be neglected. It is advisable to cultivate the ground so as to encourage the formation of good crowns, and also to assist such plants as ,may have been layered. These must be left on the bed till moister conditions prevail, though they may be separated from the parent plants by severing the runners. Cultivation should be done, if only to check weeds, which if allowed to remain and seed give cause for much work later on.

Gooseberry-bushes.—lf these have not been sprayed it will be wise to do so where there is any sign of leaf-spot. If unchecked this disease increases with great rapidity, and when this happens, then results are disastrous to next season’s crop. The remedy is the 4-4-40 t mixture of bordeaux. A good mulch Of manure should be given where possible; this will have its effect on the promotion of good (fruit-buds. Black currants are essentially moisturedoving subjects. A good mulch of manure will be particularly beneficial to them.