THE FRUIT SECTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20024, 14 August 1928, Page 15

THE FRUIT SECTION.

Current orchard work.

Orchardists are once more reminded fhat pruning operations should be com jjleted without W Ig*» borne time ago of a tree whic v , stone in full bloom and recently othei stone fruits under observation have ha vine bf returning activity the buds havir fctarted to swell. These indications are not to be ignored or the ovchardist w.n find it too late to carry out the worK which he at present intends The winter applications of spray must be made before it becomes necessary to reduce their Strength and incidentally their effectiveC The pruning of bush-fruits should also be concluded. As a matter of ac should have heen done before this, espec: - ally in the case of gooseberries, as • latter are commencing growth. When tne. various small fruits have blossomed <y may be given an application of nitrate of soda as a top-dressing at the rate of per square yard. This should prove beneficial, but it must- not be given before the bushes have blossomed or it will be detrimental as far as cropping is concerned. The present is the time for sowing capegooseberry seed so that the plants will be readv for putting out in October. i nis small fruit makes an excellent conserve and succeeds in a light well-drained sou. The seed should be sown in a shallow tray which should he placed on a hot-hed, if possible, to hasten germination. When large enough to handle the seedlings should be pricked off into a tray pi good soil and grown until large enough to be planted out. The planting of new trees should be 'completed without delay for the same reasons that make it necessary to hasten pruning. To transplant trees that have started growth does not givo them a fair chance during their first season and the crop will not be as great as it might have been,