WORK OF BUDDING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19910, 31 March 1928, Page 5 (Supplement)

WORK OF BUDDING.

REPLACING FAILURES. All early-budded trees should be carefully examined to see if any of the buds have failed, as the trees may yet be making sufficient growth to allow of others being inserted. About threo weeks' is generally long enough to determine whether the buds have taken. Careful examination, in any ease, is necessary to see that the trees

are not cutting into the bark and injuring the buds. With young, quickgrowing stocks this is important, as the wood swells very rapidly and is apt to injure the buds after a union has been formed. In relieving the ties, however, even after the union between tho scion and stock has been made, the union may not in every instance be sufficiently complete for the ties to be finally removed. Budding of almost any varieties of fruit tree can bo successfully performed so long as tho sap is active and the bark is easily raised for the insertion of the buds. Where young stocks are grown for the purpose of budding they often con T tinue to grow freely until well into next month, and may be successfully budded so long as the bark lifts freely from the wood. But little knowledge is required to find out whether tho trees are in a fit condition for working. If the bark lifts freely for the insertion of tho buds there is every chance of a successful take, providing the bud is cleanly cut and the bark is lifted without being bruised. The branches on which buds have been inserted should not bo cut back until the spring, or just before the sap becomes active again. CI Tit US FItUITS. METHODS OF CULTURE. There are few fruits grown that aro more useful or more in demand at all seasons of the year than the lemon. There are but few gardens in which space could not be found for planting one cr more of these trees. When properly planted aiul grown, both lemon and oranges are quite as ornamental as most other evergreen plants or shrubs. When planted in suitable soil and when reasonable attention is given to their cultivation, there are few trees that give better return for the space they occupy. The soil best suited for lemons or oranges is a deep, rich loam or a soil in which sand or other gritty matter is freely distributed. In such soil the loam can he deeply broken up and worked and there will be a free outlet for surplus moisture without having to resort to artificial draining. If the soil is of a stiffer nature, however, drainage must be provided, and tho holes fitted with the best soil obtainable. Decayed weeds, leaf mound or any decayed vegetable matter is excellent material to incorporate with tho soil. All citrus fruits thrive best when they are planted in soils that have been well worked, and aro kept under good cultivation. Citrus trees are naturally sur-face-roofing plants, and when growing freely require ample Space for the roots to extend without check. Once the plants have arrived at tho fruiting stage they are practically furnished with fruit in various stages of development at all seasons of the year.