IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23747, 19 September 1942, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

. —* — WORK FOR THE WEEK

(SPSaiLLT WRITTEN PO» THE PRESS.) [By W. J. HUMM] VEGETABLES The soil condition is still favourable to planting and sowing. Keep all growing crops on the move by hoeing them frequently. It is only by using the hoe frequently that the soil can be kept up to its fertility. Thin out al\ crops as soon as the young seedlings are large enough to handle. Each plant must be given room for the development of both root and top. Neglect to thin out early is often the cause of failure with vegetables. There is still time to plant asparagus. Make sowings of radishes, lettuce, onions, mustard and cress Sow peas, broad beans, carrots, beetroot, summer spinach, and parsnips. Continue to plant cabbage and cauliflowers. Sow second early peas; Greenfeast and Defiance are reliable croppers. Plant a few early potatoes in a sheltered position. Get the main crop of onions in as soon as possible. Prepare now for autumn and winter crops by sowing brussels sprouts, savoys, red cabbage, cauliflowers, cabbage, and celery. Artichokes should be planted now. FLOWERS The time for planting ornamental shrubs, trees, and roses is fast slipping away. Those who intend planting should get the work in hand as soon as possible. After planting give each plant a good watering; this will settle the particles of soil firmly round the roots. Shrubs planted previously should be kept well cultivated. Stirring the surface soil keeps the moisture in and also admits air to the roots. Any planting new should be done very firmly. High winds penetrate the soil deeply, and if the plants are not firmly planted they will not make headway. Complete the dividing and replanting of herbaceous perennials; the young growths from tne outside parts of the clumps are the best pieces to plant. Autumn-sown sweet peas should be kept well cultivated, and should be staked. Remove any weak growths and dust a little superphosphate along the rows and mould them up. If late sweet peas are required now is the time to get the seed in. Plant gladioli now if early flowers are needed. Iceland poppies, pansies, violas, pentstemon, heucheras. lupins, and hollyhocks should also be planted now. Watch roses carefully. Green fly will soon be making its appearance. If this should happen, spray with black leaf 40, using it at the rate of one teaspoon to the gallon of water. Hoeing the soil frequently helps roses. BORONIAS

Boronia megastigma will plant out better now than at any other time of the season. The reason for this is dhat the soil is warmer and the young roots get into action straight away. If these plants are transplanted into cold, wet soil in the dead of winter they often perish. Boronias are lime haters and they are not fond of artificial manures in any form. A free, sweet, sandy, moist soil suits them best. During periods of dry weather they should be watered freely. Daphnes, too. may be planted for some time yet. These, too. are lime haters. They require the same cultural treatment as boronias. MAGNOLIAS Possibly few gardeners know that the best time to transplant magnolias is, late spring, just before the leaf buds open. All members of this family of plants have fleshy roots', and if disturbed during the dormant period often die. They do best where the soil is deep and well drained. A position in the sun suits them best. They; too, are lime haters. Do not disturb the surface roots by deep cu.th.'ation. They do not like it. GLASSHOUSE Proceed with the repotting of all plants that require more root room. In carrying out this work see that the pots are clean. Plants cannot thrive if the roots cannot get air. Palms and aspidistras, if they need it, should be potted on now. These plants are fond of nitrogenous foods. They like a sharp, fine soil, to which leaf mould or spent hops has been added. Blood manure is valuable, but it should be mixed with the soil at least a fortnight before it is used. FRUIT There is yet time to plant fruit trees, but the sooner they are planted now the better. This is quite a good time to plant strawberries. CORRESPONDENTS Puzzled.—All annuals will take liquid cow 'manure provided it is given in moderation. (1) It will do harm if given when the soil is in a dry state; (2) it will burn the roots if given too strong; (3) collar rot may be prevented by giving the plants several applications of water containing Condy’s crystals. Use these at the irate of loz to 15 gallons of water.