ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

Otago Witness, Issue 4039, 11 August 1931, Page 11

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

J. W. A., Richmond. —Manure for currants, gooseberries, and fruit trees. A chemical manure suitable would be kainit (lOoz), nitrate of soda (2oz), and superphosphate (3oz) applied to every square yard. The kainit and superphosphate can be applied now by dusting in over the surface and working it in, and the nitrate of soda will be applied when the fruit is setting. “Art Florist,” Mataura.—You should paint the glass of your greenhouse with thin white paint and stipple it with an old brush. There is a green preparation called “ Summer Cloud,” sold by seedsmen, which is also very satisfactory. R R., Oamarn.—l am afraid it will be rather difficult to spray your old pear trees, but if it is possible use Bordeaux Mixture (winter formula). I should also advise giving them a dressing with bone meal. J. A. S., Milton.—Wistaria sinensis will be the one you desire, and the clematis will be Jackmanii. The wistaria should not need much pruning for some time, and the clematis should be cut back fairly hard now. It is better to put the asparagus bed in an open sunny position. Manure is not at all harmful to flowering shrubs, but it is not a good thing to bring farmyard manure into direct contact with the roots of newly-planted trees or shrubs. The Andromeda is better in a seini-shaded, moist position, similar to that for rhododendrons.