IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23055, 25 June 1940, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK (SPECIAiLT WXITTEN FOB TBS PSESH.J [By W. J. HUMM.J Crops grown for spring use should be assisted as much as possible by frequent cultivation. Forking lightly through the rows does much good. This will allow the air to penetrate to a greater depth; the soil then will be sweeter and congenial and encourage root growth. Should the soil require lime, now is the time to apply it. The value of lime in the vegetable garden is generally not well known. The functions of lime are not limited to supplying the needs of plants. It has' important offices in neutralising the acidity of the soil. Where large quantities of manure have been used each year, or much decayed vegetation has been dug in, the soil is liable to become toxic. To correct this apply carbonate of lime at the rate of Boz to the square yard. Lime also improves both the chemical and mechanical condition of the soil. When the soil is in a sanitary condition the micro-organisms that the soil contains can multiply and function to their' fullest and keep the soil in a fertile condition. Do not overlook the value of under drainage. Soil that is water-logged throughout the greater part of winter can never give its best. A wet, cold soil is most uncongenial to vegetable crops. Autumn-planted cabbages and cauliflowers should be moulded up. This will keep them firm and also give better aeration. Sprinkle a little lime round each of them frequently. All members of the cabbage family like it. Prepare potato sets for early planting by placing them in shallow trays to sprout. Plant all classes of rhubarb. Dig in plenty of well-decayed manure. Allow one yard apart each way. Chives are useful and are much appreciated in the spring because of

their mild flavour, for use in soups and salads. These may be planted now. Place each clump six inches. apart, and the rows one foot apart. The green tops only are used, not the tubers. When they are required cut the tops off close to the ground. The plants will soon develop new growth which may be cut several times during the year. That chives are ready for use much in advance of spring onions makes them valuable. Shallots, may now be planted. These may be successfully grown on the same piece of ground for several years provided it is deeply dug and well manured. Shallots are perfectly hardy and are not subject to frost injury. A sunny, open position should be given them. When planting press the bulbs into the soil about two-thirds of their depth. Place them 10 inches apart, and 12 inches between the rows. Garlic is useful,_ although not much grown. It requires the .same culture as shallots. • Plant sage, thyme, mint, and other herbs now and give them an open, sunny position. They do not like shade. FLOWERS The soil is at present in a splendid condition for' planting. Although the planting season extends till September it is an advantage to plant before the soil becomes too wet. Planting should not be done when the soil is wet and sticky. .Roses may now be pruned, with the exception of the species, yellow banksias, and those which bloom on the growths they developed last summer, such as copper Austrian and Persian yellow. Many leave their roses unpruned until late spring, but there is nothing to be gained by this. Plant all classes of ornamental and flowering shrubs and trees. Do not overlook the value of evergreens.These give shelter and keep the garden warm during the winter months. Too many leafless trees in winter always give the garden a bleak appearance. When allocating the position remember that evergreens with tough, leathery leaves will stand more exposure and are more suitable for planting in shaded positions than those which lose their leaves. Flower plants which are leafless in winter should never be planted in shade. These must have an open position. Those shrubs which flower early should be given a position where an uninterrupted view can .be obtained. Quite often these are planted behind vigorous growing evergreens and in such a position they have a struggle for existence and have very little chance of displaying beauty. There are subjects suitable for all positions, 'and a little care in choosing their position will make all the difference to their effects. Dig over all beds and borders now. Leave the surface rough so that the effect of frost and air can sweeten the soil. Do not dig deeply round azaleas, rhododendrons, heaths, boronias, or any plants that bloom early. Root disturbance will have a detrimental effect on the flower crop. Azara microphylla is a splendid evergreen tree to plant where an unsightly view is to be shut out. It is a fast grower, will stand exposure and is most graceful in growth. Plant polyanthus and primroses. Prepare ground in which to plant sweet peas in spring. THE GLASSHOUSE Plants growing under glass must be given careful ventilation from now on. When the weather is suitable give as much air as possible without creating a draught. Without fresh air plants cannot make headway, they become sickly, and when in this condition are attacked by insect pests. Pelargoniums and geraniums should be looked over and any dead leaves

should be removed. Each plant should be given room for its development. Cyclamen and cinerarias in bloom may be given liquid manure. Schizanthus are sun lovers and should be given a place where they can get plenty of air and light. Primulas are coming into flower. Do not water these overhead. Tuberous-rooted begonias may now be removed from their pots and placed in shallow boxes. Cover the tubers with equal parts of leaf-mould and sand. Those ■virho have heated houses may now sow seeds of petunias, lobelia, phlox, nemesia, ten-week stocks, verbena, antirrhinums, to produce plants for summer bedding. FRUIT Plant apples, pears, plums, nectarines, cherries, apricots, peaches, walnut, and nuts. Avoid deep planting, as this is detrimental to the growth and productivity of the plants. Prune apples, pears, and plums any time now. but remember that leaving trees unpruned until late spring is not to the advantage of the trees. Plant raspberries, gooseberries, black, red, and white currants,. also loganberries, Worcester berry and boysenberry. SHRUBS The Mexican thorn Crataegus Mexicana is at present very effective because of its crop of bright golden fruits. These are borne in great profusion and the fruits hang on the tree throughout the winter' They certainly add interest to the garden during the dull winter months. Those who value berry effects should get to know this plant. Its ultimate height is about 12 feet. It is evergreen and will stand in an exposed position.