CORRESPONDENCE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 148, 19 March 1937, Page 16

CORRESPONDENCE

Answers to Inquiries compost, Heap.— Comports are mixtures of various earths or manures. Many manures, of which only small quantities are necessary, require to be mixed with other substances in order to ensure their even distribution. Blood ami bone is a good artificial Io sprinkle over the material before it is is stacked, but lime should never be used it there are animal manures in the compost.- 'Hie rotting of the heap van be accelerated by placing a layer of sod on top of it. It is desirable to exclude conch grass. (A.W.S., Danncvirke.) Cherry Trees from Seed. — There is very little yon can do to hasten the fruiting ot a tree raised from seed. A cherry grows from five to eight years before it commences to bear fruit. If the growth is very vigorous you could lightly rootprune it. ("Farmer." Ohait.l Horticultural Naphthalene.-— -This preparation is useful in eradicating various soil pests. 11 is usually pricked into the soil two or three weeks before sowing or planting. (R.C.A.. Hastings.) Perennial Phlox.— 4’lanling is usually done in May. June ami July. Remember that this is a gross feeder and requires a rich soil for best results. A situation lighty shaded from the midday sun is best. (Miss C.J.W.. Wellington.) Lifting Gladiolus Corms.—No. it is not necessary to wait until the foliage lias died down. When the leaves begin to turn yellow you can safely lift them. ("Molverfon," Ofaki.l (tarnations “Burst."— Sonic varieties have a tendency to burst their buds, and there appears t<> be no sure way of avoiding it. Disbudding ton drastically sometimes doos ii. but occnsion.nl “hurst" blnoms must bo expected. When special varieties arc raised for show purposes this danger is guarded against by placing a small clastic ring round the hud. which prevents the c.nlvxa splitting. (J..T.5.. I Levin. 1

Cyclamen from Seed.— Occasionally first year, but usually in the second. (J.J.S., Levin.)

Do not strip the leaves and stems of the bedding begonias before storing. Allow these to remain on and to die down naturally. When Ibis has happened. the corms are ripe and may safely lie stored for use another year.