GRAPE VINES RENEWING BORDERS. 



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compost including plenty of wood ashes. Fresh roots will then, in most cases, be freely 

 emitted from the collar of each vine as well as along the trunk roots (a, b), as 

 shown in the illustration, Fig. 102. By that practice vines may be greatly resuscitated 

 without prejudice to the crops, especially if fresh canes are encouraged, cutting out 

 the old rods by degrees. 



In many cases, however, the borders may be entirely renewed without loss of crop, 

 especially where the roots occupy inside and outside borders, the inside border being 

 operated on one year and the outside border the next. The best time to perform the work 

 is whilst the leaves are on the vines, say, after the grapes are cut and the wood firm. 

 Early vines may be lifted from the end of July to early in September, according to the 





Fig. 102. NOTCHING VINE ROOTS. 



References : a, roots notched to cause the emission of fibres ; b, result of notching vine roots ; c, adventitious roots 

 from the collar ; d, mulching ; e, border ; /, drainage ; g, drain. 



time the grapes ripened ; midseason vines at the close of September or early in October ; 

 late vines cannot be interfered with till their crops are cleared . Properly prepared fresh 

 soil with, if the drainage needs renewal, clean rubble should be provided and placed 

 handy, so as to facilitate the work, and upon its careful dispatch success in a great 

 measure depends. 



Commence by removing the old soil at the point furthest from the stem, work 

 towards it, and lay the roots aside as they are cleared, covering them with damp mats. 

 Take particular care of the smaller roots near the stem, breaking none by tying back, 

 nor injuring any by rough usage. Make sure that the drainage is perfect ; if not, put 

 in new. Make the border up in the best manner to half its depth, then proceed to lay 



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