CORRESPONDENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 28, 3 February 1938, Page 26

CORRESPONDENCE

'*fk *?SP . LETTUCES. "Hataitai."—Lettuces are subject to a fungoid disease which causes the hearts to rot. I do not know of any cure, but should advise that, you try growing them in a fresh; position if possible. It isl more than'likely that the spores of the disease rest in ,the soil and attack the plants-the following season. ■' -.■■■'■ ASPARAGUS AND GEKBEHAS. "M.D."—The tops of . asparagus should pn, no account be cut down until they commence to change colour. At the present time they are feeding the roots and building up strong crowns for next season's crop. Give the bed a good dressing of horse manure, if procurable, or cow manure which is well rotted. This should be given in the autumn after the bed has been weeded and the old tops removed Gerbera seeds should be sown as soon as ripe, as they do not retain their germinating powers for long. Sow in a box of good loamy soil. Place the seeds an inch apart with the fluffy end upwards. MADONNA LILIES. "Constant Reader."—Madonna lilies should be." lifted as soon as the stems; die down after flowering. The bulbs should riot be kept out of the ground longer than is .absolutely necessary. II

for any reason they cailnot be replanted straight away they should be covered with a damp sack. The roots are never really dormant and the bulbs should be planted without damaging the;roots A good fibrous loam suits these and most lilies. Plant about six inches deep and, it available, place coarse sand oelow v and around the bulbs. Avoid animal manures. If it is thought that the ground requires enriching add about a handful of bonedust per square yard. RASPBERRIES, ETC. Amateur K.M.—Spray raspberry plantt with arsenatt of lead for grubs. Old growths should oe cut out as soon as the fruiting season is over and five of the strongest and best placed young canes retained to each plant. The plants do not require any further Diiming. Strawberries.—Early spring is generally considered the best time to plant strawberries. The ground should be well dug and manured some,time before planting and be constantly cultivated so that all weeds may be eradicated before planting. Strawberries are shallow-rooted plants and hoeing is apt to damage the roots. Allow 12 inches between the plants each. way. Remove all runners1 as they appear except sunicient to supply new plants. Red and_ black currants should be pruned in the winter that also being the best season for transplanting.them.