VINE CULTURE UNDER GLASS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22540, 3 October 1936, Page 10 (Supplement)

VINE CULTURE UNDER GLASS

TF the rods of vines were pruned according to instructions given in these columns at the time, each lateral will have been cut back to two dormant bud' 3. These should have started into growth by now, and it is very probable that a few other shoots may also have appeared from dormant buds which were not previously noticed. These latter should be rubbed out without delay; but the two strong growths per spur jnay both be retained for a while, till :it can be seen which is going to produce the better bunch. It is then time enough to cut back the less satisfactory of the two, though even then it need not be entirely removed, but only shortened. Should there be space, however, for both to develop properly, leave them, irain both so that they are well separated from each other. A week or so later the second lateral should be shopped (i.e., 'have its growing point pinched out), two leaves beyond the bunch ot flowers. The blossom period is a most important one, as it is essential to get the flowers properly fertilised. 1* or this a dry, rather warm atmosphere is owner of a heated greenhouse can attain this ideal easily by giving extra ventilation and a little more boiler heat, but in the unheated structure it is necessary to strike a compromise. If the weather is warm and sunny the top ventilators may be thrown wide open for an hour or so at mid-day, bub the house should be closed early in the afternoon, so that the thermometer may run up to 75 degrees or more before nightfall. Should the outside atmosphere be wet, .foggy or cold, there in nothing for it, but to keep the vinerj closed. Damp air must noj be admitted, or it will prevent the pollen from drying properly, and Doing distributed freely

from flower to flower. As soon as the tiny berries csmmcncc to form, tho temperature of the house may be allowed to fall a little with advantage. From the middle of October onwards it is necessary to be very careful about ventilation early in the morning. If the sun is' allowed to shine on the vinery before any air is admitted, leaves and berries will be scalded. It /is surprising how rapidly the temerature rises on a bright morning, oreover, after the comparative cold of 1 the night there is certain to be a considerable amount of moisture condensed on the vines, and this aggrnT*tes the trouble, the small globules of acting like so many lenses conipl? sunlight on the tender

A Guide to Present Activities

foliage and fruits. If ventilation is unable to be put on before sunrise, it is a much safer plan to leave a chink ot air on the top ventilators all night. One important matter has not yet been referred to, and that is the tying down of the laterals. These must not be allowed to press on the glass or they are certain to suffer injury Also, do not be in too much hurry to tie the laterals down, or many will .be lost through breaking off at their junction with the spur. It will be found that if the tips are kept away from the glass by means of loops of raffia, tho laterals will come down of their own accord due to the increased weight of the swelling berries Then it will be an easy matter to secure them to the supporting wires. The next operation will be the thinning of tho berries, which, however, must bo left for another week.