THE FRUIT SECTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19604, 5 April 1927, Page 14

THE FRUIT SECTION.

gooseberry culture. The gooseberry is a most desirable bush fruit to have in the garden and where it can be grown successfully it is a decided acquisition. It is stated that it cannot be grown successfully north of Auckland nor even round about Auckland itself. This report is probably correct, but, nevertheless, the writer knows of instances where gooseberries have been grown successfully around Auckland. It might be said that in each case the bushes were grown either in positions exposed to the cold southerly winds or under the shelter of fruit trees. In one instance, these conditions were combined, and, if anything, these bushes bore heavier crops. These circumstances seem to point to the fact that the ideal situation in which to grow gooseberry bushes is one which is caol and sheltered from the scorching effects of the hot midsummer sun. Other conditions which are demanded by the gooseberry are that the soil be moist and heavy. A light, dry soil, is not at all suitable for the culture of the gooseberry. With regard to the number of failures to grow gooseberries around Auckland, the tvfiter is of the opinion that failure was due to the fact that the conditions under which the bushes were, planted were quite unsuitable for this bush fruit. One cannot expect to grow anything successfully if the conditions for its successful culture' are absent. The writer expresses a further opinion that, if those who have failed to grow gooseberries at ! the initial attempt were to try their culture again, only this time under conditions as favourable: as they can be made, success will be registered in many cases. Now is the time to make such an attempt. As was implied above, the bushes may be planted under fruit trees. If this practice be followed it will be-necessary to give liberal applications of manure, for the soil around a fruit tree is usually impoverished because the roots feed near the surface. The method of propagating the gooseberry is by means of cuttings, which are made in autumn as soon as the leaves fall. The cuttings are taken from healthy bushes and should be heeled in so that they will take root. The cuttings should be allowed to develop for a couple of years before they are planted permanently. They will then be sturdy plants possessing a strong 6tem about nine inches in height and several (three or four) leading "shoots from which a sound framework can be built up. Aiiy persons who are contemplating making a planting should now set about preparing the ground for the reception of the plants. Autumn is considered to be the best time for the planting of gooseberries. The preparation of the ground for this bush fruit consists of digging the soil over well and at the same time incorporating a fair quantity of good stable manure. Even though a heavy soil is worked well it cannot be made too light for gooseberries at the one working. Therefore, when preparing the soil the gardener need not be afraid of loosening a heavy soil for fear it will become too light through working it more than once, for a heavy :soil is usually stubborn and requires a loii to induce it to lose its natural heaviness. When the soil has been prepared and suitable plants have been procured everything is in readiness for the planting and this should be proceeded with. The bushes spread out somewhat when full-grown after several seasons. This renders it necessary to allow about four or five feet between the bushes when planting them. The amateur grower may not feel justified in allowing so much space, but all of it will be required to allow the bushes room to extend as some of them do. When planting, or just befoie, it is advisable to apply some artificial fertilisers. Of these superphosphate or bonedust is recommended, together wiih some sulphate of potash. In place of the latter wood ashes, which contain potash, may be used. These, however, must be fresh and no rain must have fallen on them. There are several varieties of gooseberries from which to choose. The variety which seems to do best, around Auckland at least, is Farmer's Glory. When procuring plants the intending grower should obtain particulars as to the size to which the variety usually extends, and this will guide him in spacing the bushes when planting.