WINTER IN THE VINERY

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 127, 31 May 1934, Page 18

WINTER IN THE VINERY

INSTRUCTING THE AMATEUR

Healthy vines can soon be-ruined by bad pruning, says the "Auckland Herald." Before a single branch is cut off the . owner should study his vino carefully with. a view to its satisfactory cropping during the coming season. Present treatment will also have its effect on the condition of the vine in future years. (If wrongly pruned this winter, it will perhaps t'akeseveral seasons' growth and treatment to bring the rods to a normal condition again. In unheated greenhouses amateurs wish to grow other kinds of plants in pots or boxes, and it is in such cases, almost imperative that the vine be spur prnned. The young vine. is built up with spurs on both sides and it is advisable, in the case of the latter, to try and have spurs approximately ISm apart, and alternately on each' side of the rod. The old-established spur is one which. has been formed through the. several years past and on which the side branches havo been pruned back to two buds or eyes during those years. ' ' ■ '

When pruning: be careful not to damage the bud nearest the point of

severance. Cut the latter with a sharp knifed in an upward direction, : leaving about half an inch of wood beyond the bud. Rather more wood may be left than less, as it shrinks during the year. Cut out entirely any small shoots.; CLEANING RODS. Young rods will not require much cleaning, because the bark adheres closely and evenly and does not afford sheltering crevices ■' for insect pests. Older rods'should have all dead, loose bark removed, but this must be done with care, in order to avoid exposing the green wood under it. First 'span the old wood with the hand and press hardest with the palm, 'thus . twisting off all the old loose bark. "' ' Then,- with care, examine the ) spurs and hook out loose bits of bark there. This will need to be done carefully to avoid damaging the; eyes. In the latter,, the t embryo bunch of ■ grapes is contained, and when the new growths are . about an inch long one may see the tiny pink-flowered bunch, which will be about the size of a sweet pea seed. '■•■.. -, ■'.'.-.■■">'• > MEALY.BUG- PEST... _ , Mealy bug is the worst insect pest. It winters on the rods.* Experts can use several home-made remedies and most growers have' a specific of, their own, but in the case of amateurs it is wisest to .procure remedies, "already made up, with instructions for use from seedsmen. If there are cracks in old rods,vwork the solution into them with a paint brush. When cleaning vines against mealy bug, other pests will be destroyed,; such as red spider and thrips. It is advisable to give the house a thorough overhauling and cleaning' at the same time. Especially should any burr's or splinters, caused by hooks, screws, etc., being inserted in the wood; be.examined, ;for it is in such places that. the mealy bug hides! / Dabbing with a small brush .dipped in benzine or methylated spirits will destroy, them. Woodwork'and glass may be cleaned with soap and hot water with a,little kerosene'added; this is a good cleanser and also kills pests.: Brick;or concrete work is best limewashed,, and' hot water pipes can be painted with lamp black and linseed oil. ■~-•■ .• -'~'_■