WORK IN THE DORMANT GARDEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 121, 23 May 1940, Page 19

WORK IN THE DORMANT GARDEN

The planting' of nearly all classes of trees and shrubs may be successfully done now. Dahlias may be cut down as soon as they have finished flowering, but they are best allowed to die off naturally. Gladiolus conns should be lifted, if this has not already been done. Remove from the beds such things as asters, zinnias, and others which have finished flowering. Dig over the beds and give a good dressing of manure or lime, as required. Seedling weeds are troublesome. These must be got rid of either by hand weeding or turning them under where space permits. Any alterations to beds or the lay-out of the garden should be done while most of the plants are dormant and can be moved without undue danger. Lift and divide herbaceous perennials where this is necessary. Many plots are now vacant in the vegetable garden. These should be trenched or dug over, leaving the surface rough for the weather to purify the soil. While digging, endeavour to improve the texture of the soil by the addition of humus in the form of animal manure or garden refuse. The weeding of growing crops and the thinning of seedlings is particularly important at this season of the year. Plants require all the sun's warmth available. Weeds shade the soil, keep it damp and cold, and at the same time rob the plants of their food supply and harbour pests. Cabbages, cauliflowers, lettuces, etc., may. still be planted. Asparagus tops may be cut down and the beds weeded and top-dressed, taking care not to damage the crowns of the plants. Efforts should be made to get all ground dug over and manured or limed while it is still possible to do the work without walking on the plots while they are still saturated with water.