CHAPTER VIII 

 Grape Growing in Greenhouses 



Vine for Unheated Greenhouse 



Q. I have an unheated greenhouse. Can I grow Grapes there 

 with any measure of success ? E. S. T., Finchley. 



A. Quite easily. Excellent crops may be had from an unheated 

 greenhouse provided (1) this is in a sunny place, (2) the proper 

 varieties are grown, (3) that certain simple cultural details are 

 attended to. The first thing is to make a good border. Dig out a 

 hole 3 feet across and 3 feet deep. Put a layer of bricks in the 

 bottom for drainage and a layer of turves, grass side downwards, on 

 these. Then fill the hole with turfy soil (turves each chopped into 

 about 6 pieces with a spade) with which a good sprinkling of half 

 inch bones and one fourth part well rotted manure were previously 

 mixed. Do not plant within a fortnight ; this will allow the soil 

 to settle down. A properly prepared border is of the first im- 

 portance. 



Q. Does it matter whether the Vine is planted out of doors or 

 inside the vinery 1 



A . It makes no real difference providing the border is well made. 

 The Vine is hardy, frost will not harm it. If planted outside, how- 

 ever, it is wise to protect that part of the stem that is out of doors 

 by wrapping it round well with straw or hay. 



Q. Which are the most suitable varieties? 



A. Black Hamburgh is the best of the black Grapes for this 

 purpose ; Foster's Seedling, Buckland Sweetwater and Royal 

 Muscadine are suitable white sorts. 



Q. When should vines be planted ? 



A. In March just as growth is about to commence, or in autumn 

 or winter. 



Pruning Vines 



Q. How are Vines pruned ? Ignorant, Windsor. 

 A. Newly planted Vines are cut down to within a foot of the 

 base. One shoot is allowed to grow to form the future stem or rod ; 



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