The Garden Under Glass

CHAPTER XIV AN EPITOME OF VINE CULTURE I CAN, of course, give merely the outline of so large a subject, but I will endeavour to compress into this as much practical information as possible. It is not an easy matter to put into a few pages what one considers to be the important points regarding the propagation, pruning, starting and training of a vine, as well as remarks on thinning, storing, top-dressing, making the border, watering and ventilation. We can, however, make an attempt with the fixed intention of being successful. Propagating the Grape Vine The vine is very easily propagated from “ eyes.” This means that a piece of dormant wood is chosen at the time of pruning and from this is cut a sound bud ; about three-quarters of an inch of wood is left on each side of the bud, and this is put into some sandy soil in a close propagator having a brisk bottom heat. In the ordinary way it will not be long before roots are thrown out and the growth also starts. The young vine may then be removed from the propagator but still be kept under close observation, until it has filled the pot with roots. It is usual then to work it along under similar atmospheric conditions to that advised for vines in füll growth. In due course it will grow and require potting on in good strong compost in several pots until a 9-inch or io-inch is reached. Let it be distinctly 153