CULTIVATION OF SMALL FRUITS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 92, 9 July 1927, Page 26

CULTIVATION OF SMALL FRUITS

GOOSEBERRY The gooseberry succeeds in any good soil that is well worked and moist. They do not succeed in stiff clay soils that are inclined to become hard and dry during the hot weather. Farmers’ Glory, a red gooseberry, thrives best in Auckland. The plants should be set sft apart, and the roots spread out spider fashion, not cramped together and planted no deeper than they were before removal. Last year’s plants should be p. uned back, shortening the stems to about half their length. For old bushes of good size it is desirable to retain some young shoots their full length to replace old, wornout branches, which should be cut away, thus securing a supply of young bearing shoots through the bush. CURRANTS There are three principal varieties of currants: The red (Ribes rubrum), the white, a pale fruited variety, and the black (R. nigrum). They are mostly natives of Europe. The red is extensively used for pies, jellies, tarts, etc., and both red and white are employed for making currant wine. A deep, loamy soil iis best adapted for currants, and the fruit acquires the richest flavour in an open sunny situaation. They are useful for planting against the wall and will thrive when other fruits may fail. The soil should be prepared as for the gooseberry and the plants set sft apart. They should be allowed to attain a height of 4ft, with eight or nine branches. When pruning back in the winter cut down to the old wood. The new soft wood contains a pith, and when exposed 'to the air will naturally die back to the old wood. RASPBERRIES The raspberry was originally found in the cooler parts of Europe, and will succeed fairly well in the colder parts of Auckland. The soil should not be too stiff, but preferaby rich and rather moist. They grow rampant in sandy soil and peat manure. Plenty of manure- is advisable, well dug into the ground, and an annual mulch of farmPlant in rows 3ft apart and sft between the rows. This will allow room for growing small crops between.