COAL ASHES

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 25, 29 July 1937, Page 28

COAL ASHES

. J.E.H.—The ashes from Taupiri and similar coals, and also from lignite, are distinctly poisonous to plants when first applied, although I • believe from 'observation that, the evil effects are less marked after . exposure to the elements for some weeks. ■

■ .Regarding the ashes of gassy coals, such as Westport, according to authorities, they contain various plant foods, but in almost' all cases: it is advised that they are injurious to the soil.. To quotefrom one source: ''The domestic ash-pit has caused the ruin of hundreds of garden : soils. ,■' Fertile loams have been treated with coal ashes year after year until all the- holding-power and the. chief virtues of the. soil have vanished. Unless the soil be decidedly heavy and" in need of something to make it lighter and more porous, coal ashes should never be applied to the garden. •<• The manurial value of, such ashes is' probably less, bulk for bulk, than'.tha-t of the soil to. which it is applied, and all gardeners should recognise that coal ashes are practically useless as a manure and only of benefit mechanically': to • the stiffish clay soils." Of course it should, I think, be borne in mind that ashes vary very much from .different coals and at least some of the' Westport coals burn away to a , fine. dust with very little of any clinkers,, but. in .view of the general opinion :df : authorities' it would seem wise to avoid their use. CELERIAC. - F.P.—The turnip-rooted celery is rarely if ever'seen for''sale in the shops, which seems to indicate that it is not a very satisfactory vegetable to grow. I have never tried it personally but the instructions given are to plant on the level—not in trenches —nine inches, apart, in rows 15 to. 18 inches from row to row. It requires rich soil, a warm position, and plenty of water during the summer. If properly grown the roots. should form on the surface of the soil like turnips. No earthing up is . required. SUGGESTIONS FOR PLANTING BORDERS. F.H.—Your diagram makes it easier to understand your requirements. Both the borders are narrow and consequently will not require anything too large although a few tall plants interspersed will improve the general -appearance-. I should suggest an edging of lavender aubretia with perhaps alternate plants of double white arabis. Alternatively violas, either yellow or lavender,,.or both, might be used. Iceland poppies and nemesias should do well, and both make a good display. ' Anemones'and ranunculuses are also . very effective and flower over a long period. A few clumps of bearded irises should do well and would break the evenness, or you might try.-delphinium (blue butterfly). A plant which makes a very brilliant display in a sunny position during the. summer is the Livingstone daisy, an annual ice plant, or portulaca, which is perhaps even better. It is, however, too early to plant either of these last mentioned. ~ :