136 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED 



Manure for Strawberries 



Q. I have been advised to dress Strawberry beds heavily with 

 stable manure. This I have not, but have a good quantity of 

 fowl manure. Would this do as well if used in smaller quantities 1 

 /. JT., Devon. 



A. Littery manure is put on as a mulch to protect the roots as 

 well as to feed the plants. Fowl manure would not answer the 

 purpose as well, though you may apply it at the rate of 1 bushel 

 per square rod of ground in spring. It would feed the plants, 

 but not protect them much. 



Cuttings of Gooseberries and Red and White Currants 



Q. I understand Gooseberries and Currants are readily increased 

 from cuttings. Will you me tell how to prepare these 1 Amateur, 

 Berks. 



A. Cuttings are made in October from the past summer's growth. 

 Like Rose cuttings, they should be about 12 inches in length, but it 

 is essential to cut out all the buds with the exception of about four 

 of the uppermost, from which the bush is produced. Were the others 

 left they would be a constant source of annoyance from the suckers 

 they would certainly produce. Insert the cuttings similarly to those of 

 Roses. In making Black Currant cuttings the lower buds are not 

 cut out. 



FRUITS UNDER GLASS 



Nectarines Shrivelling 



Q. I enclose herewith a Nectarine. Will you tell me the cause 

 of its shrivelling and, in many cases, the cause of the non- stoning of 

 the fruit 1 The tree is well established in an unheated leanto Peach 

 house. Also, what should be the night temperature of the house 

 after the blossoms have set 1 Ignorant, Hampshire. 



A. The Nectarines have been mildewed when they were in a 

 green state, and it is the cause of the fruit's decay now. The soil is 

 deficient in lime, and in consequence the fruit did not stone properly. 

 After the fruits have set, a night temperature of 60 will be suffi- 

 cient. 



Peaches Stringy 



Q. Could you tell me the cause of Peaches getting stringy towards 

 the stone 1 C. />., Cheshire. 



