Gardeners’ queries

Press, 20 September 1985, Page 15

Gardeners’ queries

GARDENING

by

M.Lusty

Could you please tell me what is wrong with my golden acre cabbages, brussels sprouts, and cauliflowers as' they have very stunted growth. I have given them extra nitogen fertiliser, but it didn’t make any difference. I known my soil needs more compost, and the plants do not seem to have very good roots as you can see from the sample. E. E. (Ngakawau).

It has not been possible to determine any problems associated with the enlosed brassica roots. They are very fibrous, which would suggest active growth despite your comments to the contrary. There may be strong competition from nearby trees and shrubs. Another possibility is that the soil is too acid, inhibiting adequate nutrient up-take.

Having bought various dwarf growing chysanthemums in pots over the last few years it was thought that they would be ideal in a small bed. However they have all grown to normal size in the following year-far too big for the little area. They are planted in full sun and have not been over-fed or anything special done to them so what has made them do this as I don’t want it to happen again. “No joy” (Chch). Potted chrysanthemums have been specially raised under a controlled environment to induce flowering for a particular period of the year, and to reduce height. This is achieved by restricting the amount of light plants received and by use of a dwarfing compound, respec-

tively. When planted outside under prevailing conditions such plants revert to normal development.

Some confusion seems to have arisen between us as to just what is Virginia Creeper. Books referred to only server to add to the confusion so perhaps comment is also called for I.P. (Chch).

This state of confusion is not an isolated one and does need a little clarification. The true Virginia Creeper is Parthenosisus quinquefolia syn. Vitis hederacea a self-clinging climber with fairly large leaves which turn variable shades of crimson in autumn. Some references have, certainly in the past, alluded to Ampelopsis veitchii and Parthenosisus tricuspidata ‘Veitchii’' as such but these refer to Boston Ivy, the latters’ botanical name being the one in use whilst the former is now a synonym.

We have problems with roots of trees from a next door

property which have invaded the sewer pipes. Could you please advise of the recipe to clear this obstruction. B.M. (Chch). There is a tablet formulation of soluble copper in a slow release binder which is recommended for root clearance from sewers and pipes. The tablet is flushed down the toilet bowl at night so that it can become activated during a period of minimal water flow. Initially, application is one tablet per week for one month;'

thereafter use one tablet per month.

Could you please advise on the best form of feeding for gerberas, and when is the best time to do it. “Doubtful” (Chch).

Gerberas are very responsive to a high organic matter content of the soil which should be free draining. The application of rotted cow manure is favoured by many keen growers of these plants. A fertiliser mixture comprising 2 parts blood and bone to 2 of potash, by weight, applied at the rate of 30g per established plant could be given now.

Gardeners’ queries which can only be answered in this column, should be sent directly to Mr M. Lusty, 56 Wayside Avenue, Christchurch 5. Samples should be separately wrapped in a plastic bag with air boles. Provide representative, good-sized samples, and you name and address. A nom-de-plume can be -used for publication.