LIQUID MANURES

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 131, 30 November 1933, Page 22

LIQUID MANURES

AN EXCELLENT STIMULANT

Liquid manure, like other fcrtiliscis, must be used judiciously, or it may do more harm than good. It bhould never be given in too strong doses; it is bet-' tor to err on the other side. But, rightly used, it is an excellent stimulant alike for plants in pots and in the open ground. When dealing with pot plants, remember that, as they grow, they form a mass q£ roots, which gradually exhaust the soil. Unifess some form of feeding is "given, the plants will naturally deteriorate. The roots aro \most active in 'tho spring, and at that time they are best able- to take advantage ot: the nourishment provided. •On the other hand, if given before ,the roots aro ready for it, liquid manure causes j tho roots to becomo unhealthy and tho! whole plant suffers, j Many' plants can be retained in the same pot for years without repotting if, they are regularly supplied with nour-1 ■fshment. Tho general rule with flowering plants is to commence feeding wheni tho flower spikes show, and to discon-' tinuo it as soon as tho blooms show col-1 our. Where- tho plant sometimes pro- ■ duces a second .crop of flowors, feed-; ing may recommence after the .first

batch is over and the dead blooms and seed pods are removed. Plants in-the open ground benefit from' occasional soakings of liquid manure. In dealing with newly "planted ■roses and other subjects, however, the principle is the same as for iDot plants —manure must be given only when the roots are sufficiently strong and active to use it. -

One point always to be 'born in mind is never to give liquid manure when the soil is quite dry. If it is in this condition a good with clear water must first be given, or the roots are liable to be injured. Liquid manure may be made from the droppings of horses, cows, sheep, or poultry, and should be diluted until it is a pale colour, not given dark and strong. Soot water is also very acceptable to most plants—of course always given weak-— while- most of the compound fertilisers on tho market may bo applied in this form, following the directions given with each.