IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23942, 8 May 1943, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK [By W. J. HUMM] VEGETABLES It-is advisable where the ground is workable to get all vacant plots cleaned up arid dug deeply or trenched. Late autumn or early winter is the best time to do this important work. Quite often the preparation of the soil for vegetable growing is deferred until spring. This seldom gives the best results. No one can produce high-class vegetables unless the ground is prepared in an efficient manner. Trenching must be done, so as to break up the under soil and aerate it, to bring it gradually into usefulness for the benefit of the crops. When trenching do not forget to add manure if the soil needs it. "this will increase the store of food for the plants. Any manure used should be mixed with bottom soil when trenching. Most plants resent stagnant, surface water around their roots, so if the soil is such as to hold water it will be necessary to put in drainage. A water-logged soil is cold, and not in any respect congenial to the roots of the plants. If the soil is heavy and of a lumpy nature leave the surface as rough as possible. The action of both frost and rain will work wonders. By spring the hard lumps will be broken down, and the texture of the soil will be greatly improved. Hard, lumpy soil should alway receive a good dressing of carbonate of lime after digging. Six ounces to the square yard will not be too much.

Plant cabbages and cauliflowers for early spring supply. Firm the soil about brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cabbages. Plant lettuce to stand through the winter. Sow broad beans in a well drained position. This crop will do no good if planted in the shade. Sow early peas if you’need them next November. Select.. a. well, drained, sunny position. Peas do best when the soil is well worked and manured. If stable manure is used place this well down in the tench. Lift beetroot and carrots. These are best stored in a convenient place for winter.. use.. Gather marrows and pumpkins before severe frosts injure them. Parsnips are late maturing. These are best left in the ground, and dug a§ required. Artichokes, too, are best left in’and dug as they are needed. Clean the tops off aspai'agus, and give the bed a light dressing of litter, not heavy manure. Heavy manure is best applied after the cutting has finished in November. Earth up celery and leeks. FLOWERS After the next good rain the majority of shrubs, trees, and roses may be planted. If early planting is done, especially with roses, the plants make new roots and become established before the severe frosts of winter check them. Perennial phlox, Michaelmas daisies, helenium, paeony roses, lupins, hollyhocks, delphiniums, and the Majority of perennial plants can be transplanted with safety, also clematis. Plant wallflowers, polyanthus, primroses, pansies, and violas. All spring flowering-bulbs should now be in the ground. - Lift and store the later planted gladioli. Dahlias that -have been blackened by the frost‘may now be lifted and stored for the winter. Place the tubers in a frost-proof position. Where the soil is of a warm nature and not likely to waterlog it is not necessary to lift them. Place some light Utter over them to ward off the frost. FRUIT Planting time hgs. arrived. Raspberries, currants, gooseberries, and strawberries may be planted now. Gather and store .apples and pears as they become, fit.. Spade lightly, under the fruit trees. Cut off and burn any withered’branches; also gather any diseased fruit and burn. WJieh fruit trees need help in the way of manure blood i,and bone is effective. Scatter this undey the base of the trees at the rate of four Ounces to the square yard. The active feeding roots are just beyond the extremities of the branches. The manure will serve no purpose if placed too near-the trunk.. Walnuts may be planted now. These require a rich, well-drained soil. SHRUBS

There are many beautiful forma of cotoneasters, effective at the present because of their bright red berries. From this family can be selected shrubs suitable for all types of gardens. Cotoneaster prostate and horizontalis, damneri, and microphylla are suitable for rock gardens and covering low walls, Cotoneaster serotlna and avateri are two of the best of the evergreen types. Both these are prolific berry bearing and neat growers. At the present time these plants are aglow with berries from top to bottom.