CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 29, 4 February 1937, Page 20

CORRESPONDENCE

WARATAHS FROM SEED.

D.C.H. —You would be wise to leave the seedling plants in the box for at least a year and then, say, next autumn, plant them out in a nursery bed. I have had no experience with them, but should think they would be somewhat slow growing. They may require several years before they come to flower. Waratahs are quite hardy and do not require any special soil. Ordinary garden soil should be quite suitable. SEVERAL QUERIES ANSWERED. "Amateur" (Kelburn).—l. The stocks have been attacked by collar rot. Nothing can be done with the affected plants, which should be pulled out and burnt. To save the rest of them water the ground with Cheshunt1 compound, procurable from a seedsman. 2. Cactus dahlias of the old type were all inclined to hang their heads. The newer varieties stand up quite well. 3. Lime will keep hydrangeas pink. To get blue colours add sulphate of iron or alum to the soil. FLYING ANTS. ■ "Troublesome" (Northland). — The best way to get rid of ants is to find their haunts and apply camphor or a solution of creosote. They are rather difficult to deal with. CONVOLVULUS. E." McF. —Convolvulus is one of the most difficult weeds to eradicate. Like couch grass and sorrel it spreads from the roots. The only way is to remove the1 roots and you will find that very difficult where it has got a hold in the hedge. Sorry I can't give any more helpful advice. ... ■ , . .