WORK IN THE GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 25776, 26 April 1946, Page 12

WORK IN THE GARDEN

ROOT PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES. We find that many varieties of fruit trees, such as apples, pears, and also plums, fail often to carry a crop of fruit, due to the fact that too much growth is being made season after season. Very often the reason for this excessive growth is that the particular variety is grafted on an unsuitable stock, and instead of making fruit spurs, strong and vigorous growth is made, and the harder the pruning the stronger the growth becomes—especially in the case of newly-planted plums. Trees in this condition can be assisted to make smaller wood by what is known as root pruning. This work should be carried out from now on. First of all remove the soil from around the base nf the trees until the roots, which are penetrating directly down into the subsoil, are exposed. These should be cut hack to about two feet from the bole of the tree, using a sharp pair of secateurs, or, if the roots are too large, a saw. After this the cuds should be made smooth with a sharp knife. These roots, where cut, should then make surface roots, which are most essential to build up good fruiting wood. Before filling in the trench where the root pruning has been carried out, it is most important that a mixture of soil and animal manure (or good compost) be placed around the roots and the whole made firm, with the feet. This will assist the young, fibrous roots when they appear. This work should be carried out before the leaves' begin to fall and all the sap returns to the roots for the resting period. Care roust be taken when removing the soil that the small and fibrous roots (if there are any) are not cut or injured in any way. : Only the spill or tap roots should be cut back. SEAWEED AS A MANURE. Continually we are reminded that our soils do not contain that valuable mineral iodine, and also other minerals which are so necessary to keep the human body in a healthv condition. Yet this important material can be supplied to our soils by digging in kelp or seaweed, which can bo obtained so easily and cheaply by those who are living by the sea coast* Seaweed differs from farm-yard manure only in respect to its organic structure. Its tissues, being soft and mucilaginous, the tender organic matter (of a very succulent and watery nature) decomposes quickly. It is very rich in potash, which is so necessary in the cultivation of all crops. Kelp shonld not he used continually on the same ground but alternately with other manures, such as farmyard or compost. It may be dug into the soil in a fresh condition, and on no account should it be allowed to lie on the ground for any length of time exposed to the air and sun,'or else the whole will shrink and disappear owing to its rapid decomposition. Its effect in the soil' is not of a lasting character, and those who use it will find it necessary to repeat the application annually. For flower growing it will also be found to be very valuable, especially in the cultivation of sweet peas. The kelp should be placed in the trenches as soon as possible for next season's crop of sweet peas, etc. SHIFTING AND TRANSPLANTING TREES.

After the heavy rains' which we have experienced, those who intend to shift trees, shrubs, etc., to other positions should carry out the work as soon as possible, as the soil is in excellent condition for this important work. If planted at this stage they .'will become well established before the hard weather arrives. Plenty of well-de-composed material should be dug into the sites before the transplanting takes place. But where azaleas and rhododendrons are being planted no lime should he applied in any way. VEGETABLE REFUSE. At this season of the year there is plenty of material to gather, such as leaves, weeds, lawn mowings, and vegetable matter to compile a compost heap. But these materials should not be thrown into a pit, as the bacteria which form the humus or plant food cannot work when all the air is excluded. The material is then full of acid and no bacteria can live where acid is present. The material must be built up into a heap or stack. When compiling the refuse a sprinkling of new lime should be applied oyer the layers, such as house refuse and peelings, etc. Substances such as fruit primings and coarse hedge clipping;.; should be burnt and the ashes applied over the vegetable refuse on the heap. After the material commences to break down it should be occasionally turned over. In this way the various contents will be thoroughly mixed together. It should then be allowed to lie and decay until it is of the consistency of leaf mould. Liquid in any form can be applied, as it will enrich the whole and make it more valuable. It is also essential to keep the heap covered by placing boards or iron over it, to keep out the rains, so preventing excessive moisture in the heap. When thoroughly broken down and mixed the whole should be placed in a shed where it will he always available for seed sowings, or for potting purposes right throughout the winter and early spring months. If made up in a practical manner there is no need to apply any substance to break it down, as Nature does its own wo rile more efficiently than man. F.S.P. (N.D.H., N.Z.).