The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 45
Gardening Notes
Gardening Notes.
Grafting is the art of putting a portion of one plant on to another and making it grow. Fruit trees and many ornamental shrubs are thus multiplied. Budding answers the same purpose, only instead of a branch or shoot a single bud is necessary, which must be neatly inserted under the bark of the plant to be operated upon. The operation of budding can only be performed when the sap is up, otherwise the bark will not rise. Layering is another very useful mode of propagating many varieties of plants; the branches to be layered must reach the ground, the soil being drawn away first and the branch brought down and cut half through with a sharp knife; a strong peg should be inserted over the part cut and covered over with a light sandy soil. Many plants can thus be propagated that do not strike readily from cuttings. Insects, on first making their appearance, should be treated to a dressing of Gishurst's Compound; this will be found effectual in destroying American Blight, Black and Green Fly, Red Spider, Thrip and Scale, the quantity used being 1 lb., dissolved in 4 gallons of boiling water. It is better to apply it while hot. Sulphur is the best remedy for the vine disease, and should be dusted freely on the vines as a preventative, while they are in a growing state.