. Horticulture; a text book for high schools and normals. Gardening; Vegetable gardening; Fruit-culture. THE PREPARATION FOR WINTER evident that much surplus water is taken into the plant. This water aids in the circulation of foods in the plant. All that is not needed is evaporated from the leaves into the air. This process is called transpiration of water. This takes place through the little mouths or stomates which are so abundant on the lower surfaces of leaves. Importance of Leaves.—The great importance of the leaf growth on all our common leaf-bearing plants may be understood when we rea
. Horticulture; a text book for high schools and normals. Gardening; Vegetable gardening; Fruit-culture. THE PREPARATION FOR WINTER evident that much surplus water is taken into the plant. This water aids in the circulation of foods in the plant. All that is not needed is evaporated from the leaves into the air. This process is called transpiration of water. This takes place through the little mouths or stomates which are so abundant on the lower surfaces of leaves. Importance of Leaves.—The great importance of the leaf growth on all our common leaf-bearing plants may be understood when we realize that (1) the leaves make the starches, sugars, and similar products for the plants, constituting about ninety-five per cent of the food of the plant. (2) It is through the leaves that the necessary breathing takes place. (Fig. 5.) (3) The leaves give off to the air the surplus water no longer needed by the plant. The increasing of leaf growth which is to accomplish all of these purposes, is often the main efforts of the orchardist and gardener. The use of manure and nitrogenous fertilizers aids in the leaf growth. Leaf-eating insects must be kept in control to prevent the de- struction of leaves. Pruning may direct the growth in the best parts of the plant. Bud Formation.—On all plants the leaves are formed from the unfolding of buds. On the woody plants the buds are formed chiefly in the angles of leaves. They form on the new growth of shoots in spring and early summer, soon after the leaves of that year are well de- veloped. They become more plump later in the year, and really prepare for winter during the last half of the summer season. The preparation for winter of fruit trees and other woody plants, usually consists of all or nearly all of the following processes: (1) Buds are formed and covered with winter scales for protection from changes of weather. (2) Hairy or waxy growth is provided to keep out water and ice. (3) In the fall the leaves drop off and the leaf
Size: 1212px × 2062px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, booksubjectfruitculture, booksubjectgardening
