THE GARDEN IN DECEMBER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 132, 1 December 1938, Page 30

THE GARDEN IN DECEMBER

The weather generally gets dry and hot now and holiday time is near, when many people will be away for at least part of the time, and the garden will have to take care of itself. To prevent weeds seeding while the owner is away, the hoe should be used freely so that all weeds are cut down. Any plants which are likely to suffer from drought should be well watered and then mulched with several inches deep of grass clippings or other suitable material. In the flower garden, seedlings may still be planted, but in most cases it will be wise to puddle them in. Seeds of portulaca and phlox drummondi should be sown where the plants are to remain. Both are splendid summer flowering plants and give a vivid display of colour over a long period. The seed of portulaca is very fine and requires hardly any covering. It makes a splendid edging plant. Keep sweet peas regularly picked. Once seeds are allowed to form the plants cease to flower. Plenty of water should be given, and as they are very deep-rooted, the best plan is to dig a shallow trench along the rows and fill this to ensure the water getting down to the roots and not running away on the surface. Cut off all dead roses, fork over the beds, and keep the bushes moist by hosing. Dusting with sulphur will ward off mildew, and as the autumn crop of blooms depends largely upon the health of the bushes during the summer, it is wise to take precautions. In the vegetable garden, successional sowings of peas, lettuces, turnips, and French and runner beans may be made. Earth up potatoes and stake peas and beans. Pumpkins and marrows require plenty of water, and if growth is slow they will respond to occasional doses of liquid manure. As a rule they do riot require it, however. Leeks should be planted. The simplest method is to make holes with a dibbler and, after shortening both roots and leaves slightly, drop a plant into each hole and, without filling in any soil, give a good watering

Leeks like good rich soil, deeply worked, and plenty of water. Doses of liquid manure will help them, while nitrate of soda is par-ticularly-good for them. Tie up tomatoes as they require it, removing all side growths at the same time. Should there be any fear of blight attacking the plants, spray with Bordeaux mixture once a fortnight.