The Culture of Fruit Trees in Pots

Abstract

IT is nearly half a century since the late Thomas Rivers built glass structures for the protection of his fruit trees in pots. He was led to do this because in several successive seasons the hardy fruit crops were almost destroyed by severe frosts, which occurred when, the trees were in flower—a very critical stage in the growth of the trees. Mr. Rivers was convinced that in order to be certain of obtaining crops of first-rate fruit of peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries, and even apples and pears, it was necessary to have large glass structures to protect the trees at that period. These early houses were not provided with means of heating them artificially, because it was then thought that the extra expense this would have entailed was unnecessary; but subsequent experience proved that a flow and return hot water pipe in each house not only provided additional security against frost, but the slight heat thus obtainable, if employed in bad weather while the trees are in flower, has a good effect upon the pollen, and therefore assists in securing the fertilisation of the flowers.

The Culture of Fruit Trees in Pots.

By Josh Brace. Pp. x + 110. (London: John Murray, 1904.) Price 5s. net.