IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23919, 10 April 1943, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

(By W. J HUMM]

WORK FOR THE WEEK

VEGETABLES Soil aeration is one of the chief factors in the good cultivation of vegetables. By aerating the soil frequently the physical texture is improved, the micro organisms necessary to a healthy soil are increased, and the soil is made more fertile. The vegetable garden, if not naturally well drained, should be provided with artificial drains to carry away surplus water. Soil that is heavily charged with water is practically sealed against air. and. where this condition exists vegetable plants cannot flourish. When the soil has been deeply trenched it not only provides a deeper root run for the plants, but is also the means of bringing about better aeration. Stirring the surface frequently is also a means to this end. Warmth, air. and moisture are necessary before manure can be assimilated by the roots. • Stiff clay soils may be much improved by being ridged up roughly in autumn. The result of this treatment is seen in spring, when the soil is readily broken into small particles. If good vegetable crops are desired do not wait until spring to prepare the land but do it in the autumn. Dig deeply and leave the surface as rough as possible'to the weather, and it will be found that a sweet, fertile soil will be the result. Lift beetroot, carrots, and potatoes and store them as advised previously. Prepare positions for sowing peas and broad beans. These should be sown by the end of the present month, but the land must bo prepared now to allow it time to settle before the sowing is done. Plant cabbage and cauliflowers to stand through, the winter. Store ripe marrows and pumpkins. No time should be lost in earthing up celery as soon as it is ready. Continue to sow beetroot and shorthorn carrots. Do not cut the tops off asparagus until it has turned yellow. Sow lettuce and turnips and onions, Chives are useful for spring use. Lift and divide the clumps now. Thin out all crops as soon as the young plants are fit to handle; each plant must have room to develop both root and top. Stir the soil frequently. FLOWERS

The planting of all spring flowering bulbs should be completed as soon as possible. Those which were not lifted are now beginning to make top growth. This indicates that if similar bulbs are kept out of the ground much longer they can hardly be expected to give their best. All bulbs must be given time to make root growth before they can produce first-rate flowers. Lateplanted bulbs will bloom, but the flowers will be of a poor quality and only remain for a short time. Next season’s flowers will also be of a poor quality. . . , Aubrietias are showy perennials end make quiie a bright display in spring. They do well in full sun. They seldom flower if given a shady position. Good drainage is also essential. If bone dust or lime is added to the soil it will be to their liking. The time is passing for the sowing of sweet peas to give an early spring effect. If any are required, get them in now. Continue to plant anemones and ranunculus. Montbretias are splendid autumn-flowering bulbous plants and do best when transplanted after flowering. Do not allow these plants to remain in one position for more than two years. Plant the bulbs four inches apart in a sunny position. Fire King, His Majesty, Star of the East, and. Prometheus are all first-rate sorts. Polyanthus and primroses may be lifted, divided, and replanted. They require a soil rich in humus. FRUIT Those intending to plant fruit trees should prepare the soil to receive them. For success in fruit growing the young plants must be maintained in health during their early life. Fruit trees which become stunted when young seldom develop satisfactorily. Deep planting should be avoided. Never plant a tree deeper than it stood in the nursery row. Burying the roots deep in the soil where they cannot get air and warmth is the cause of many fruitless trees. Indications are that this will be an early planting season, and gardeners should take advantage of this and plant any trees required as soon as their leaves fall. • Continue to plant strawberries. Cox’s Orange Pippin, Shorland Queen, and Jonathan are three reliable dessert apples which come in for present use. Mobhs Royal and Peasgood Nonsuch are two good cooking apples. GLASSHOUSE The present time is suitable to prepare compost for potting and boxing purposes. Many wait until potting is to be done and then prepare the compost, add the manures, and proceed with potting. No doubt the plants will grow, but better results would bo obtained if the compost was prepared at least four weeks before it was needed. Place the compost in a heap outside and turn it frequently. This will ensure aeration. For average potting blood and bone manure is most reliable. It contains most of the properties which are beneficial to most plants. SHRUBS Quite a distinctive evergreen berry shrub in full glory at present is Stransvesia Davidiana. This handsome evergreen is of Chinese origin. When fully grown it attains a height from. 16 to 20 feet. It is hardy, has a good appearance, and is easy to accommodate. Like most plants that produce berries it should be given an open, sunny position.