WALL CLIMBERS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 201, 22 May 1936, Page 18

WALL CLIMBERS

Why They Stand Still Many wall climbers are in a sorry state just now. Even though planted two or three years ago, they have made practically no headway. If such climbers are examined where they rise from the soil it will be seen that they are growing too close to the wall. The roots are cramped, unable to find nourishment. Prepare a better root rim for the plant. If necessary, widen, the border. The root run cannot be prepared satisfactorily with tlie plaut in position. The best thing, therefore, is to get the climber out of the way. Free the plant from the wall fasteners, loosely bunch the growth's and tie them together and lift the plant. Don't Iqjive the plant exposed while preparing the soil; place it in a spare corner where its roots can be buried temporarily. Now proceed to widen, the root run. Dig out the soil to a distance of 3ft. from the wall, 3ft. deep and 3ft. wide. Fork up the bottom of the excavated hole and throw in a 4-6 in. layer of old bones, builders’ rubble, cracked bricks mid other porous material, as soil will never remain sweet unless it is well drained. M’itli the first Ift. depth of soil returned mix a bucketful and a half of well-rotted manure, and with each of the remaining foot depths incorporate 2oz. of bone-meal. Set the plant in the centre of the excavated area and there will bo ample root room.