Replies To Correspondents

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22444, 13 June 1936, Page 10 (Supplement)

Replies To Correspondents

F.D., Rotorua.—Yonr request ro strawberries noted tho information will be provided. P.E.T., Mamiku.—Chimonanthus fragrane. " Japanese Allspice." Cuttings of firm wood inserted now in sandy soil will make roots. "Novice," Morrinsville. —Tho fruit is known as the Japanese Lantern plant: botanical name. Physalis Franchetti. Sow the seeds in a box in spring and plant out when large enough. Tho plants are perennial and make white creepery stolons, similar to mint. "Amateur. Pukekohe.—(l) Tho geranium euttingn should have been put in about March. Then they would have rooted by winter. Unless you have glasshouse facilities, leave them until August. (2) Bonedust or superphosphate would bo the bost manure. T.D.B.—The pinus insignia would give tho quickest shelter. Top the trees before becoming too high; this will prevent blowing over. (2) The grass is evidently what is known as Indian doab grass, and is difficult to dispose of. Thorough cultivation during dry weather is the only control. G.H.P., Rotorua.—The safest time to replant the asparagus is in the spring, just as tho plants are commencing to grow. This will be about ealy September. It will, of course, be necessary to refrain from any cut' ing of the shoots for the first season aft< r. The roots decay if planted in tho winter months. G.S.H.—(i, If about one pound of sulphate of iron is well mixed with the soil in the hole from which the tree affected with silver blight was removed, there should be no dango.r m planting another. (2) the persimmon evidently requires some manure. When well set with fruit, apply liquid manure, or top-dress with blood and bone; well water in. ■ "Inquirer, ' Koromatua. Plant these shiubs in the following order: (I) Benthnmnia fragifera. (2) Buddleia salvifolia. (3) Exochorda grandiflora. (4) Magnolia fuscatu. (5) Viburnum Sieboldtii. (G) Abelia floribunda. The seedless barberry would be the best for your purpose and is quicker in growth. Plant IS inches apart under the hot ton' wi 'f of the fence. , J.C.W., Whakatane.—lt lit quite possible that there" is a deficiency of the necessary manurial elements in the foil if there is no disease present. The wither tip disease would cause tho fruit lo fall when small. Spray with Bordeaux powder, one ounce to ono gallon, u3 soon as the fruit has set. Manure with sulphate of ammonia in August, one pound for each year of age of the tree. J.R.H., Rodney.—(l) Cutting back tho cherry in winter will only encourage more strong growth with less likelihood of flower. Thin out some of the growths in mid-summer, about January 2) The fruiting cherries, as a rule, require another variety as a pollcnator (J> The Chinese gooseberry will shed its leaves in autumn and winter. It is necessary to both sexes, in order to obtain fruit.

G.H.N., Otahuhu.—(l) The macrocarpa can be cut any time now up till August. long as you do not cut below the green parts there should b- ro > harm. The macrocarpa does not break too free!."' from the hard wood when out drastically. It would be best to leave the sides until another season rather than ba too severe in the one operation. (2) Blood and bone, four parts; sulphate of potash, one part: about seven pounds per tree, forked in round the outer spread of the branches.

"Standard/ Grey Lynn.—(l) The branches should be trained out on the wires, taking care to fill the bottom first. The top will always fill afterwards Those branches growing straight out should be removed New growth will be made outwards each summer. If required for filling the fenoe it is tied in, if not required, summer prune to five leaves in January. (2) Plant the trees as close to the fence as possible. (3) Tho branches are tied on the outßide of the wires with binder twine. As the branches get old they are cut out, and new growths tied in, to take their place. Watch for further notes C.W.A., Hamilton.—(l) Black Hamburgh would be suitable for the position; or, if your prefer a whit" grape, Golden Chasselas. (2) Prune th? flowering cherries as soon na the blossom has fall.n. Five main branches would be sufficient. Cut. the others out right to their base Paint over the wounds with tar or paint (3) Remove the galls and burn them before the insect they contain emerges in the spring, if thir treatment is persevered with, the trouble will cease. (4) The syringe type of Bprayer can be used. The essential point is that a good cover ia obtained, whatever type of sprayer is used.