Natural Pollination Brings Good Fruiting (Press, 3 February 1956)

On 3 February 1956, a gardening column by T.D. Lennie discusses various aspects of fruit and flower gardening, alongside vegetable cultivation. It addresses the common issue of irregular fruit production in trees, particularly the greengage plum. Lennie explains that while many plums are bisexual and self-fertile, the greengage requires cross-pollination, which necessitates planting a companion English plum variety. He notes that the absence of such companions results in a poor fruit yield. The piece highlights the significance of proper orchard management, mentioning that fruit drop can indicate previous spraying deficiencies, particularly with arsenate of lead, which is essential to eliminate pests. It advocates for light summer pruning of fruit trees to improve air circulation and light penetration. Specifically, it suggests removing aged blackcurrant branches affected by stem borer and advises thinning gooseberries and currants. The text also mentions the need to mitigate pests and diseases on vines and other fruit by using appropriate sprays. In the flower garden section, Lennie recommends maintaining tidy borders by removing spent flowers and replacing entire plants when necessary. He describes late summer as a peak for annuals and perennials and underscores the importance of careful planning throughout the year to ensure continuous blooming. To enhance displays, he suggests planting new annuals such as asters and stock. Dahlias are noted for their vibrant blooms, and Lennie suggests disbudding to encourage more flowering. For carnation propagation, layering is recommended to sustain healthy plants. He highlights the value of perennial phlox and helenium for borders and cutting, suggesting they should be used more frequently. The proper conditions for hydrangeas are also explained, with attention to soil composition affecting flower colour. The article touches on lawn care during the dry season, advising topdressing with manure and occasional watering to help grass cope with these conditions. In the vegetable garden, Lennie stresses the importance of securing sweet corn and preparing for winter vegetables such as celery and leeks. He also warns of white butterfly infestations, recommending the use of Derris dust as a preventative measure. For immediate sowing, he lists seeds for lettuce, cabbage, and root vegetables. He encourages mulching with lawn clippings to maintain soil temperature and moisture. Additionally, Lennie advises controlling asparagus growth to protect neighbouring plants and suggests regular watering and feeding to prolong rhubarb production. He concludes with practical tips for caring for tomato plants, including removing excess foliage to promote fruit ripening as cooler nights set in. This comprehensive guide addresses the essential practices for successful gardening in the February climate.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand