IN THE VINERY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 5 (Supplement)

IN THE VINERY.

SEASONAL OPERATIONS. The season is again at hand when special attention will have to given to the requirements of the vinery. If full advantage Has been taken of the recent heavy rains most of the winter work, such as piuning cleaning and painting the vines, as well as thoroughly cleansing the whole 01 the woodwork, trellis, etc., should have been completed before this.

Few vines, e.en of the latest varieties are still dormant, and many of the earlier cool-liouso kinds are rapidly swelling their buds It is at this stage that the greatest care is necessary in regulating the temperaturo of tho houso Weak sterile growths are often the result of too high a temperature during their earlier stages of growth. To maintain an exact temperature is, of course, impossible while the weather is so variable, as tho nights may bo exceptionally cold and the day bright and sunny, but every effort should be made to regulate it as much as possible. This may in a largo measure bo accomplished by ventilating freely during the day in warm weather, and by closing the house at night. As the season advances, the heat naturally increases, and greater ventilation is necessary. MOIST ATMOSPHERE ESSENTIAL. As soon as the vines show signs of starting they should bo freely sprayed, as a moist atmospheio at this time is an important factor in assisting tho buds to break. Every effort should be made to induce the buds to break evonly from every spur. In many instances the buds on the top, or upper parts of the canes aro tho first to start unless means aro taken to check tho upward flow jf the sap. When this occurs the canes should bo carefully bent back arid kept in this position until the other buds aro sufficiently advanced to ensure a regular, even growth from every spur. As soon as the whole of tho buds have started the canes must bo carefully secured to the trellis. This requires careful manipulation as the buds at this stage aro very brittle and are easily broken. The canes should in no case bo tied closely to tho buds, but should be allowed to hang three or four inches below wiics. Apart from there being less risk of damaging tho buds, it is a great advantage when tying up the laterals, as there will bo less risk of their being broken than when young brittle shoots have to bo bent down to tho trellis. CITRUS FRUITS. Citrus fruits can now be planted with little risk of them being injured by frosts. At this time when tho ground is in good workable order and can bo placed in tho best possible condition for , planting, there will be naturally more warmth in the soil so that root action is more rapid than when the trqos are planted during the cold wet winter weather. It does not necessarily follow, however, that much growth, even under the most favourable conditions will bo made during the first summer months. A peculiarity with most newly-planted citrus plants is that they often remain < practically stationary until late in the summer or

early autumn, when they start into healthy vigorous growth. It is for this reason that some protection is necessary where severe frosts are experienced. As already stated the soil cannot be too well prepared. Deep planting must be avoided. The best method of planting is to refill the hole and spread the roots out level with the surfaco so that when they are covered the plants will stand upon a slight mound. Secure staking will be necessary as the plants will naturally be easily swayed by the wind.