IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21792, 26 May 1936, Page 5

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK

(SPECIALIST WHITTEN EOS THE PRESS.)

[By W. J. HUMM.I

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS Bygonia—Let the begonia gradually ripen off. As soon as the top dies off. withhold water, turn the pot on the side, and store in a frost-proof position until the spring. In September pot the tuber and stand in a sunny position. St. Albans—The apple sent in is affected by a disease known as bitter pit. Many kinds of apples are prone to this disease. Nothing can be done to prevent or cure it. Ignorant—When pruning gooseberries begin by thinning out all weak and spindly growths. Thin out the remaining growths so that there is ample room left to gather the fruit. The gooseberry fruits on spurs, on mature wood, and also On the ing season’s growths. On these growths many lateral growths are developed. These should be shortened back to one bud from their bases. Old and exhausted branches should be cut “t. allowing young and vigorous branches to take their place. «r ov i ee __if you desire to make an effect with spring flowers, plant at once any of the following:— Wallflowers, poly- ' anthus, pansies, violas, forget-me-nots, or aubretia. VEGETABLES All vacant plots should be deeply due over and left in a rough state to weather during the winter months. Quite often these plots are left covered with weeds, cabbage stump leaves, and other rubbish. These not only harbour plant pests, hutpreventbpsun and air penetrating the surface Prac tical vegetable growers realise Ihe im portanceof garlen hygiene and never allow rubbish to lie «ibout. By leav ing the surface rough better drainage will be effected, the sweetening influence of both frost and air will be increased and the physical texture ofthe soil greatly improved. Where the soil is well drained, sow broad beans and a variety of early peas Plant cabbage and caulifloweis tor early use. Enfield Market and P lower of Spring are two reliable early maturing cabbages. _ , Cut down asparagus and Jerusalem artichokes. Artichokes are best lelt in the soil. . , ~ ~ Q Autumn sown onions should not pe neglected. Hoe the surface frequently, even if no weeds make their appearance. Soil aeration does much to keep the crop in a healthy, thriving condition. Lift the main crop of potatoes. Those required for next season should be selected at the time of digging. All plants are liable to variation, ana when saving, seeds or tubers should be saved only from those plants which show merit. Chives are members of the onion familv. Their tops may be used as a substitute for green onions a planted in clumps now they wall be ready for use much ahead of the onions. , Look over onions in store. Those showing decay should be removed. The same applies to marrow's and pumpkins. » Plant sage and thyme in an open sunny position. Old rhubarb roots are improved if dug up and allowed to remain on the surface, exposed to the frost, during the winter. These should be divided up and planted in early spring.

FLOWERS The time has arrived for the planting of ornamental trees, shrubs, and roses, and no time should be lost in putting this work in hand. The heavy rains of last autumn have thoroughly moistened the subsoil and left the ground in a splendid condition for planting, Advantage should be taken of this, and those contemplating planting should start at once. Experience has shown that there are many advantages of planting early, provided the soil does not remain frozen during the winter months. In such localities planting should be deferred until after the land has thawed out in spring. Plants set out early begin to take hold of the soil at once, because the soil now' is much warmer than it will be in the middle of winter. Warm soil always encourages root action. This root activity is of the greatest importance, because the plants will break into strong growth next spring and suffer less from the parching winds, which always make their appearance during the spring months. If plants have not re-established their root systems by the time these winds occur they are bound to suffer, and as often as not will remain inactive for some time. This is one of the results of late planting and often a costly one to the planter. The present is a good time to make a general survey of the garden. See if the shrubs have been arranged so as to give a continuity of effect throughout the year. Conifers and evergreen flowering shrubs play a big part in the appearance of a garden during the winter months. Continue to plant spring bedding plants such as polyanthus, primrose, wallflower, for-get-me-not. and aubrietias.

Break up large clumps of perennial phlox. When replanting use only the vigorous roots from the outer portion of the clumps, as those growing on the inside are often exhausted and of little value for replanting. These plants thrive best where the soil has been deeplv worked and contains plenty of rich food. Where paeony roses arc grown, it is a good plan to interplant with phlox because after the display made by the paeonies has faded out the phlox will become effective and a bright display will be maintained.

Do not leave the gladioli bulbs in the ground during the winter. Box plants for edging may be planted now. When ordering the plants allow for 100 plants for each 20 feet to be planted. Montbretias are splendid autumn flowering bulbs. They do best when replanted each year. Give them a sunny, well-drained position. Plant before the soil gets too cold.