No excuse for autumn neglect

Press, 4 June 1982, Page 9

No excuse for autumn neglect

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

Conditions during the past few weeks have been ideal for getting ahead with the usual clean up associated with autumn. It should have enabled even the- least energetic gardeners to be well up with tasks which are often seriously interrupted by unsuitable" weather.

Vegetable section

Pest and disease control ‘becomes very minimal at this time of the year but you will still find that aphids, a few caterpillars, certainly slugs and snails, and leaf spots may prevail. Another good control applied now should be sufficient to provide protection until the end of winter unless a very mild period of weather occurs in the meantime.

Aphids and caterpillars can be controlled very effectively by spraying with acephate: methiocerts will deal with slugs and snails; and fungicides such as triforine and chlorothanonil are very good in dealing with most diseases in this season. Weed control should be fully maintained as this will not only reduce problems but

also competition . for nutrients as well as sunlight. Crops which are in storage should be periodically inspected for rot, and all products which are showing signs of deteriorating in any way should be promptly removed for early use. It is getting on for making the best use of soil warming devices such as cloches, however they would still give, a very considerable advantage over any open ground plantings, and are beneficial for sowing seeds. Brussels sprouts should be stopped: that is. the terminal growth should be pinched out when the basal sprouts are between 12 to 15mm in diameter. Earlier stopping can result in the sprouts blowing, and later treatment has little benefit. Failure to form hard, compact sprouts can often be caused by excessive nitrogen availability, or conversely, insufficient potassium. Glasshouse tomato plants should be carefully and completely removed," and the whole structure thoroughly cleaned, both inside and outside.

Formalin is most useful in this respect, but must be used with care: dazomet pro-

vides an alternative for soil sterilisation, a procedure which is recommended to all growers who consistently grow the same crop or crops. Whatever is used should be applied according to the detailed instructions to be found on the container. Failures to follow directions have led to many subsequent crop failures and will undoubtedly cause many more disappointments in the months to come. Fruit section

The major preoccupation in this part of the garden will be on pruning, planting, and training in the weeks to come.

It is essential to know something of the objectives and principles involved before tackling any pruning

otherwise it could well defeat the whole purpose of the exercise.

Basically, the concept of pruning is'to provide a fruiting subject which produces both quantity and quality fruit from a" balanced and easily managed system of growth.

By application of particular forms of training and pruning associated with the particular fruiting habit of the tree. bush. vine, or cane, it is possible to achieve these objectives.

Fruit can be obtained without ever pruning, or with little idea on how to go about it. but as the years go by the lack of attention will become more and more evident until the problem becomes quite a big one to rectify, particularly .with some fruit such as the kiwi fruit.

Apart from knowing something about the job in hand, it is also necessary to have a sharp pruning saw. good secateurs and a sealant for dressing branch cuts. Ornamentals

Many trees and shrubs are pruned during the winter months, and again certain principles apply. It is also

worth considerable thought and care before tackling some of the bigger jobs, as a few ill conceived cuts can often cause unrectifiable damage. The seed of hardy annuals and perennials can be sown under glass. This also incoudes more tender plants such as gerberas. Hardy annuals, biennials and perennials such as Iceland poppies and stock can be planted, as can polyanthus and primroses. Dahlias can be lifted now that the foliage has been cut back by the frosts. Where drainage is good, the tubers can be left in the ground for subsequent lifting, dividing and replanting in the spring. Otherwise they should be lifted now. dried, shaken clean of as much soil as possible, dusted with thiram and lindane, and then stored in a frost-free, dry place until replanting time. Lift, divide, and ieplant herbaceaus perennials such as phlox, asters and tritomas.

When mowing the lawn be sure to remove the grass clippings and clean the machine thoroughly after each use.