Autumn in the Vinery

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23009, 9 April 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Autumn in the Vinery

' Much of the cropping power and the quality of the fruit obtained from vines during the next season depend on autumn treatment. The wood must be well ripened, and with this end in view the maximum amount of air must be admitted to the vinery after the last bunches have been cut. The roots must never want for water, and if the border seems at all dry a thorough soaking should be given, or. better still, some diluted manure-water, which will assist the vines to finish their growth. For some time yet the rods may continue their lateral growth. Their removal should sot be'nCglected until all "growth has ceased. There is nothing more harmful thaty to allow superfluous growth to accumulate and then to remove it in large quantities. A frequent look over is the only safe rule in obtaining strong, firm, healthy bearing wood. On fine days, until the cessation of growth, the spraying over with water, daily, may be resumed. This will cleanse the foliage and encourage a healthy dormant condition of the vines. As soon as the leaves commence to turn colour the spraying may cease. No further root watering should then be necessary if the roots were well supplied with moisture after the last of the grapes were cut. As the leaves fall they should be v gathered and burned. To allow them to lie around is to encourage the breeding of pests.