IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22795, 22 August 1939, Page 13

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK (iFSCUXXT WRITTEN FOB THE PRESS.) [By W. J. HUMM.I THE GLASSHOUSE At present there is much to be done In the glasshouse. Give attention to, ventilation. More air will be needed as the sun gains strength. Where artificial heat is available sow tuberous begonias, gloxinia, and streptocarpus. Fuchsias may now be cut back, and when growth begins, pot them back into smaller pots. Before doing so, shorten back the roots considerably. Sow stocks' lobelia, pentunias,'phlox, antirrhinums, dianthus, marguerite carnations, and salvia bonfire. Primulas, cyclamen and cinerarias in bloom should be given weak applications of liquid manure each week. Continue to take cuttings d chrysanthemums. Give geraniums Jtmd pelargoniums plenty of room to develop. Crowding is the cause of jpindly and sickly plants. ’ Schizanthus need both air and sunlight When placed in shade they grow w ak and spindly. -lybrid calceolaria should be potted as hey require it. A coql, moist atmpsihe e is needed for these plants. Prepare the soil for potting up chrysanthemums. Prick .off annuals as soon as they are large enough to handle. To obtain the best out of annuals they must be kept on the move from the time the seed germinates until-, their flowering period is reached. Hydrangeas grown In pots should be , given plenty of room to develop. If the plants have filled their pots with roots, pot them on. ~ Plants such as palms, aspidistras, asparagus, aralias, and ferns, when growing 'inside are liable to become potbound, and may need some assistance.' For this purpose sulphate of ammonia or nitrate of soda is most suitable. Uake this by placing loz in one gallon of water. Apply once a week when, the soil is moist. Never give liquid manure of any kind when the soli is dry, as it is liable to.burn the. young rootlets. .One distinct advantage from using these manures is that they may be given to plants growing in the dwelling houses without giving off an offensive odour. ' VEGETABLES Should the weather remain favourable the vegetable garden should receive a good deal of attention during the 1 next week or two. Where the-land is well drained and of a light nature and is in a fit condition to work, planting and loving may be done. But .where the land lies wet and cold, do nqt he: in; a hurry to plant or sow. Wait until the soil gets warmer. If the',soil was dug previously, fork over the surface lightly. The sun and air will improve the condition of the soil wonderfully. Do not be too eager to fill up the whole garden at once. Sow only small quantities of the early kinds, just enough for the needs- of the family. It is too early for most of the main crop vcge-

tables yet. Remember that marrows, pumpkins, cucumbers, french and runner beans and tomatoes are natives of warm countries, and are liable to be destroyed by late frosts. Soil warmth is needed before these plants will thrive. In warm gardens plant shallots and garlic. Plant cabbages, cauliflowers, and lettuce. Lettuce seed may be sown.

Parsley is always needed. Sow a line now. Plant both summer and winter rhubarb now. Prepare the soil for main crop onions. These require a firm but rich soil. In favoured localities plant a few early potatoes. Sown shorthorn carrots, radish, early peas, and broad beans. Thin out autumn-planted onions. Dust a little superphosphate along the rows.. Stir the soil frequently. Sow seed of cabbage and cauliflowers to provide plants for summer use. Plant Jerusalem artichokes. Plant sage, thyme, mint, and other herbs. Asparagus may be planted now. Where the soil is heavy and not well drained it will be necessary to raise the bed at least one foot above the level of the garden. Without sharp drainage it is not possible to grow asparagus to perfection. The governing factors in the growing of asparagus are good drainage, an open position and orte away from the influence of tree roots, and a warm position. Beds may be made either three feet or five feet wide, and if two beds are made side by side a two-foot alley should be made between them. For most gardens three feet beds are the best, being easily worked when clearing, cutting, arid manuring. Assuming that the bed has been made three feet wide.'make two shallow trenches similar to those of celery trenches, but only five inches deep. The two trenches should be nine inches from the sides of the bed. Flap 6 the roots 18 inches apart and the crowns not more than one inch below the surface. The end of August and September is the best time to plant. FLOWERS / -,-oS?££ Plant all Classes of ornamental plants, trees and shrubs. Spring is the best time ’to plant daphne boronias, heaths, azaleas, and rhododendrons. All rosepruninj should be. complete as soon as possible. There is still plenty of time to: plant all classes of roses. Plant pansies and violas, nemesia and stocks. The large flowering clematis are well worth considering when showy climbers are needed. They transplant better durini the spring than at any time during the year. Clematis do best when their roots are shaded and kept cool during the summer, but they must have their tops in full sun. Give them sharp drainage. Plant delphiniums and lupins now. Sow-sweet peas for summer effects. Hollyhocks are stately plants. These should be planted from now on. FRUIT Fruit trees may'be planted for some time yet, but the sooner they are in now the better, especially if the soil is of ia dry nature. All pruning should be finished as soon as possible now. There is (still time to spray’fruit trees for the control of both fungus and insect - pests. For the contipl of leaf-curl and brown rot spray lime-sulphur at. the rate of one pint to four gallons of water. Spray. now for the control of San Jose scale, red mite, mussel scale, and. woolly aphis. For this purpose, pomsol, a tar distillate , wash, has proved most effective.. It mixes readily with cold water, will not clog the pump or (injure the hands when applying. It is stocked by seedsmen. Pomsol is made in New Zealand and was put through exhaustive trials before it was put on the market. — " . \ SHRUBS The flowering apricots, prunus mume. are at present making a display. These early flowering trees are well worth considering when bright flowered shrubs are valued. There are both single abd • double-flqwered forms in white, pink, and red shades. The flowers are sweetly scented and last well as a cut flower. Prunus mume 1 should be given an open position. They are fond of lime. The Geisha and Dawn are two outstanding kinds.