GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 14204, 18 November 1911, Page 7

GARDEN NOTES.

(By Hortus.) The hot nor'-wester of yesterday was considered by those who do not know 1 better, to be detrimental to gardening. This is quite a popular error, for instead of doing harm it has given great impetus to growth of all kinds. Not only did it cause a rise in the temperature, which increased the sap flow, but it also warmed tlio soil, and further stimulated growth both in root and branch. During the last few years scientific horticulturists have been proving tue fact that not only is growth stimulated by the heating of the* soil, but also the i;reience of bacteria, which is so necessary to the nitrifaction of the soil, is increased numerically, and also in activity, when the soil reaches a certain degree of heat, and while the ground remains warm those organisms do their wonderful complex work of changing substances of air and soil into the necessary elements which are so necessary to plant life. With these proved facts to guide us, we welcome the nor'-westers and warm days, j knowing that growth will result in consequence. •Scientific horticulturists advocate mulching or top-dressing on the surface of tho soil around the base of the trees and plants. They hold that such treatment of the garden increases enormously the presence of bacteria, and consequently the fertility of the soil. These minute organisms represent a host of workers not limited to one kind of work, but divided into regimente with oach section performing its alloted purpose ot breaking up elements into chemical substances suited to the needs of plant life. Haiking back to the influence of heat in the soil

and mc increased fertility in coust.'quence, one had evidence last season in the swamp lands or the Dominion !>i which were growing root crops. In such soil it will be remembered roo: crops fairly revelled, especially whore deep cultivation had boon lollowed; this al.c-wed tho heat to penetrate, and the bacteria to increase. In swamp or cold soils a wet season is not a fertile one, and those who iann or garden in sucli soils always prolcr a warm suinnior, knowing 'rom experience that crops are better in such a season. In heavy Lint! the greatest growth takes place after midsummer, when the soil has become warm.