IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23002, 23 April 1940, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

♦ WORK FOR THE WEEK (SPECIALLY •WBITTEN FOB THE PRESS.) [By W. J. HUMM,] ANSWERS to correspondents Holly, Waiau—Possibly the cause of the holly being in bad health is root trouble. There are very few plants that will thrive unless they are given under-drainage. .The best thing is to cultivate the soil and give the soil a dressing of lime (carbonate). Next spring give a few applications of sulphate of ammonia at intervals of a week. Use this at the rate of one ounce to the gallon. , Horse Radish.—The' best way to eradicate horse radish is to keep the ground thoroughly cultivated where it is growing. Never let it' develop its foliage. If plants cannot function above the ground their roots must in time die. VEGETABLES Autumn is the best time to get the land in the vegetable garden into good tilth for the crops that will be sown and planted next spring. Where the soil is liable to become waterlogged in winter, under drainage should be given. Excessive water is harmful to the multitude of bacteria which aid in keeping the soil fertile. Where, the soil is of poor texture and of a hard nature, use plenty of agricultural lime and dig in decayed manure or green stuff. This will increase the humus and greatly improve the soil structure. Hoe crops frequently, even if there are no weeds to destroy. By hoeing, harmth and air are admitted to the

soil, and this, besides being most beneficial to the crops, also aids in keeping the bacteria up to their work. Without air and warmth, these indispensible bacteria may live, but cannot thrive and function if air and warmth are not permitted free access to the soil. The addition of manures to the soil will not take the place of cultivating. Let the soil remain undisturbed, and it becomes idle, acid, and infertile. , . Plant cabbage and cauliflowers to supply the needs of the kitchen early next spring. Select a well-drained, sunny position and sow early peas. These will be ready for use next November. Lift and store beetroot and carrots. If these are stored in sand, they will not lose flavour and will keep fresh during winter. Sow broad beans. These will come in for use early next season. Broad beans raised from an autumn sowing produce an early crop, and the plants are not so liable to be affected by the black-fly pest, which so often attacks the spring-sown crop. When sowing the usual practice is to place the seeds two inches deep and eight inches apart in a double row, 10 Inches from each other. Double rows should be placed two feet, apart. Earth up late celery and leeks as they require it. ' Lettuce for -early use next spring should be sown or planted now. An open, sunny; well-drained position should be given. Rhubarb required for forcing should be dug up and left on the surface for some time before placing under cover. Lift and store potatoes as they become fit. Autumn-sown onions should be given cultivation frequently. Wood ash and soot dusted along the rows help them. Both pumpkins and marrows should be under cover now. , In many gardens slugs become a pest during winter and spring. By dusting the soil with hortnap, these pests may be prevented from developing. FLOWERS It will soon be time for planting all classes of roses. If these are planted early, they will become established before the soil becomes too cold and wet. The recent rains have made early planting possible. The majority of perennials may also be planted now. For spring effect, plant wallflowers, polyanthi, primroses, pansies, violas, and auriculas. If paeony roses are needed, get the plants on their way as soon as possible. Lavender edgings are popular. Get these planted now. _ Box edging, too, may be planted now. The spacing for these is 100 plants to 20. feet. Edgings that have overgrown may now be lifted and replanted. , , , Plant sweet williams, lupins, and hollyhocks. , r , , . . In well-drained soil, delphinium may be planted. Lily of the valley has now died down. The rpots may be transplanted if they need it. THE GLASSHOUSE The winter flowering plants should be placed in their flowering quarters as soon as possible. Astilbies are useful pot plants. These should be potted up now and stood under the bench until growth starts. They should then be placed on the bench, where they will get more light. Liliums for growing for pot culture should be potted up as soon as possible now. Use turfy loam, sharp sand, and a little charcoal. Watch cinerarias carefully and if grubs make their appearance, spray with arsenate of lead at the strength ol toy, to to\vc sallous of water. Pot on hybrid calceolarias as they need it. All pot-grown chrysanthemums should by now be under cover. Water carefully. If mildew breaks out, dust with flowers of sulphur, FRUIT Plant out strawberries. Prepare position for gooseberries and currants. These may be planted soon. Those who' intend to plant raspberries shofild do so before winter sets in. If these plants are got in early they will become established before heavy frosts arrive. Make preparations for planting fruit trees. The' soil must be given time to-settle before the trees jo in.

SHRUBS One of the most unique berry shrubs effective at the present time is Callzcarpa purpurea. This shrub grows seven to eight feet tan. It is leafless during the winter months. Each autumn it is clothed by corynibs of deep violet berries. These give the plant a most pleasing and distinct appearance. This shrub is hardy and good natured. It does best when planted where it can get its full share of sunlight