THE GARDEN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 301, 1 October 1938, Page 3

THE GARDEN

general routine work. (Written for the “Guardian” by W. B. Bbockie, N.D.9., N.Z.) THE GREENHOUSE. Pelargoniums in their flowering pots are now making free growth. Allow them exposure to full sun in the greenhouse and give each plant a clear space to itself on the bench. If they are even slightly shaded or overcrowded pelargoniums will become spindly in growth. In this condition they do not produce large flower heads and those that are formed, owing to weakness of the stems, have a tendency to flop. A light sprinkling of superphosphate and sulphate of potash watered in will help the plants to build up strong stocky shoots. These remarks also apply to zonal geraniums and heliotropes. If the top soil in the pots has become hardened stir it to a depth of half an inch with a pointed stick; shake out this soil and top-dress with broken up fibrous turf from a pasture. Calceolarias will respond to liberal manuring as much as any plant in existence and it is at this time, when they are putting on their fastest growth preparatory to the development of their flowers that frequent watering with strong liquid manure is most effective. Keep them cool and slightly shaded from the mid-day sun. Cactus and succulent plants may now he repotted if necessary, but if they appear to have a reserve of energy Sufficient to carry them over another season they are better left alone. The pots for cacti should bo just large enough to balance the weight of the plant so that there will be no danger of them being overturned. Overpotting results very often in the plant being overwatered, causing rutting at the base. A restricted root run is conducive to the formation of firm growth and in this condition flowers are freely produced. A good soil for succulent plants is made, up of fibrous loam 3 parts, clear river sand 2 parts, 1 part made up of equal portions' of small pieces of bricks, lime rubble and charcoal 1 ., and about a half part of dry finely sieved cow dung. Good drainage is essential. THE FLOWER GARDEN. Continue to sow under glass, asters, salvia and French and African marigolds. Salvia Harbinger is a month earlier in flowering than the varieties Fireball and Bonfire and thus escapes the danger of injury from early autumn frosts to which the later are often exposed. Salvia sown in boxes requires fairly strong bottom heat to ensure even germination. This is essential as the seed leaves are large, and if germination is uneven the earliest will crowd out those that germinate later. This can be prevented of course by spacing the seeds well apart, but in any case even germination is desirable and for this a high temperature is necessary. Plant out seedlings of sll Mi'dy bedding annuals, including calendulas, stocks, antirrhinums, lqrk s lH u ‘ s ancl clarkias. Make sowings in the open ground of candytuft, nemophila, larkspur, Virginian stock, asters, sweet alyssum, liuum, viscaria, annual chrysanthemums and nasturtiums. Thoroughly weed the rock garden before forking it over and then top-dress with a sharp gritty soil. Plant diantlius, saxifrages, sun-rose, campanulas, androsace, sedums and sempervivums. Many splendid varieties of these can be had from nurserymen who specialise in rock plants. These are raised singly in small pots so that in planting them out they suffer no disturbance to their roots. Seed of portulaca and the diminutive Voilet Cress flqnopsidiiun acaule) can be sown in open spaces here and there alongside the paths and on the path itself.

HEATH CUTTINGS, To propagate heaths from cuttings, special treatment is necessary to ensure success. Being slow to make roots, atmospheric and soil conditions must be entirely favourable to preserving the delicate stems and leaves in a state of suspended animation. Cuttings are taken from the small side-shoots borne on terminal branches. It is best to select branches bearing a number of side-shoots and remove these branches to the potting shed or othei shady place where the cuttings will be prepared. An extremely sharp small-bla-aecl knife is essential for the operation. Only medium-sized shoots are chosen and these will vary from an inch in length to about three inches, according to the species. Before removing the cuttings from the branch their lower leaves should first be shaved off, taking care not to damage the stems. Next, holding the branch so that the butt end is pointing away from the operator, insert the knife just below the base of the cutting and remove a small “heel” of the oldei wood. To prevent the cuttings from drying, each one as it is removed should be immediately placed in wet sphagnum moss. A five or six-inch pot is provided with drainage material and then filled to about three-quarters of an inch from the rim with a mixture of finely 'Sieved peat three parts, and clean sharp sand one part; silver sand is best. After firming the soil in the pot give it a good soaking with water. "When diallied but still wet, again firm the soil by pressing hard on it with a round flatbottomed tin. With a dibber resem ding the pointed end of a thick knitting needle, prick out the cuttings about half an inch apart oyer the whole surface, or if a fewer number is required, round the edge of the pot. JNext, sprinkle a quarter-inch layer ot coarse silver sand amongst the cuttings and again give a good watering with a fine rose can. To prevent rapid changes in atmospheric and soil conditions place nisi e a large pot or biscuit tip and pack round nearly to the rim of the cutting pot with fine sand, then cover the huge pot with a sheet of glass. A cool position in a frame is most suitable. Inc cuttings must never lie- allowed to become dry.

VEGETABLES. q'ho main sowing of onions can now be r’ e do. Make the ground firm and perfectly level and rake int-o the surface a dressing of soot. Sow the seed thinly in drills no more than half an

inch deep, spacing the rows fifteen inches apart. Make generous sowings of green peas and broad beans. If the drills are drawn out early in the day and left open to bo warmed by sun heat before sowing quicker germination will ensue. Plant early and second early potatoes in ground 1 that is freshly cultivated to a depth of one loot at least. Potatoes never succeed when planted in hard-packed soil. TOMATOES. Tomatoes in the glass house should be ventilated freely on all favourable occasions. Do not keep the soil excessively moist. Pollinate the blooms •; every day. For this purpose a rabbit’s tail tied on the end) of a thin stick is very effective for carrying the pollen . from flower to flower. Plants grown , singly under pot culture should be placed in their fruiting pots or boxes : as soon as they have set their first trusses. Use a rich, loam of a fine texture to which has been added fine mortar rubble, wood ashes and bone flour. Cover the drainage with well decayed strawy manure. Make the potting firm, and leave two or three inches at the top for later top-dressings of fibrous loam.