IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24329, 7 August 1944, Page 2

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK (Specially written for “The Press.”) [By W. J HUMM.] VEGETABLES Although August is considered the first month of spring, it is as a rule a wet and cold month. At present most gardens are too wet to permit the sowing or planting of vegetables. It is only in warm sheltered gardens, where the soil is of a warm, dry nature that any work can be undertaken. A few warm days during this month often tempt the inexperienced to sow and plant, and as often as not results are unsatisfactory. The seeds may germinate, but because of the lack of warmth in the soil, will do no good. If wet, cold weather is experienced, as is often the case, the young plants will get a check from which they will never fully recover; There is nothing lost by -waiting until the soil is in a fit condition to maintain growth. If the drainage is bad, attend to this, as vyithout good drainage, it is not possible for the soil to be kept in a highly fertile condition. Excessive moisture ruins the physical texture of the soil, prevents a free passage of air, and therefore the soil Is cold and uncongenial to plant growth. Many vegetable growers do not fully appreciate the use of lime. Without its use, no proper manuring can be done. On clay, when lime is used, the soil is freer, less sticky, and easier to work. It drains better, and therefore warms up much better in the spring. Lime prevents the soil from becoming too acid. Many fungus and insect pests are destroyed by the use of lime. Lime has the tendency to sink into the soil, and on this account should not be dug in. It is best scattered over the surface, and hoed or lightly forked in at the rate of 6oz to the square yard. Winter or autumn is the best time to apply lime. FLOWERS Evergreen trees and shrubs plant out much better during the spring than they do during the cold wet months of mid-winter. Those plants which lose their leaves in winter may be planted through the planting season provided that the planting is not carried out in the late spring, after growth has started. Evergreens as a rule may be planted much later in the season than plants that lose their leaves, with the exception of the deciduous magnolias. All these have fleshy roots, and transplant much better in the late spring. It is then that their roots are active, and when trans. planted they get a grip of the warm soil at once. The same applies when planting daphnes, heaths, boronias, and all the Australian and New Zealand evergreens. At present, few shrubs are more effective than the acubas. There are many forms of these useful plants. Some are grown for the effects they give with their bright red berries. If berries are desired, it will be necessary to plant both the male and female plants, as.they are unisexual. It is not necessary to plant them close together. They may be planted yards apart. The pollen is carried by flies. Acubas are one of the best-plants for growing in cold shaded positions. Both their foliage and berries are splendid for interior decoration.