GRAPE GROWING IN GREENHOUSES 117 



spread over the borders to a depth of 2 or 3 inches. Horse litter 

 may also be given, but not in the fresh state. When half rotted it 

 may be spread evenly over the border. 



About a Greenhouse and Neglected Vines 



Q. I write to ask your advice about a greenhouse I have. It is 

 50 by 14 feet, and contains no stage or shelves. It is 3 feet high at 

 sides, and 9 feet high at the apex. Can I grow vegetables in it 1 or 

 what would be more profitable 1 I have a Vine that has not been 

 pruned for three years. Can I cut it hard back ? Constant Reader, 

 Stockport. 



A. You may force Rhubarb and Seakale in the greenhouse in the 

 winter months, and grow Mushrooms, early Lettuces, and, later 

 Kidney Beans, in pots or boxes. In summer time you cannot do 

 better than grow Tomatoes. The proper time to prune the Vine is 

 at the end of December, but if you cut away the growths of several 

 years hard back to the main rod, side shoots will grow again, but 

 there would be little fruit the same year. The best plan would 

 be to prune to the base of the shoots of this year's growth, leaving 

 two buds only, {There would be long spurs, but it is not possible to 

 avoid them unless you out hard back, and sacrifice most of the fruit 

 for a year or two. This would be best in the end ; it would give the 

 Vines a new lease of life and result in fresh vigorous growths. 



Treatment of Ripening Grapes 



Q. My Grapes are just beginning to colour. Should I still con- 

 tinue syringing and damping down the path and walls 1 and .if so, 

 how long? They are mostly Black Hamburgh and Alicante. 

 0. N., Hampstead. 



A. You must cease syringing the Vines, bu^ damping down 

 should continue a little longer, say for two or three weeks, although 

 it must be gradually diminished. On dull, wet days it will not be 

 necessary at all. 



Grapes Failing 



Q. I am sending a bunch of Black Alicante, and should feel very 

 grateful if you could tell me the reason of their disfigurement. I 

 have two Vines, and for two or three years have had occasional 

 bunches go in the same way, but this year every bunch is affected ; 

 I have about twenty bunches on each Vine. The Vine itself seems 

 quite healthy. I have the border inside, so that I keep it in good 



