ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

Evening Star, Issue 22004, 13 April 1935, Page 3

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

“Norice.”—Horse manure should be well rotted before it is of any use for potting purposes. The older tne better providing it is under cover and not exposed to the air. Belladonna Julies should be planted with the neck ott the bulb, exposed to the sun. Without being well ripened the bulbs will run into leaf and not flower. “ Anderson’s Bay.”—Sorry you missed notes on rags advocated for early pea growing. The rags, torn into pieces, should be laid on the bottom of trench before pulling in the soil to take.the seed. The rags will keep the young roots warm and also retain the manures which the rain will carry down through the soil. “ Maori . Hill.”—The variety of passion fruit i was referring to last week’ is the Tacsonia Moljissima or banana passion fruit, which is very much hardier than Passitlora ltdulis, which is the commercial type of passion fruit. The fruit of this variety is not ready to gather until May in the North Island* and would bo much later in this district. This variety needs protection from winds and must have a warm situation. Notes on the cultivation will follow next month. “ Constant Reader,”—When the tree is dormant dig around the roots and work in some well-rotted manure or similar material so as to retain moisture when the tree is in blossom. Being on the hill and the soil very shallow would no doubt account for the trouble. Escallonia cuttings should be inserted from now on. The cuttings should be made from well ripened wood and about nine inches in length. When inserted the cuttings should be pressed in‘■firmly about four inches.

“ Roslyn,”—l would suggest that you do not plant roses on trellises until the end of May, as by that time the strength of the creosote will bo taken out by the action of the air. Many thanks for compliments _ regarding gardening notes. Yes, practical experience is needed more than ever through the strenuous times that wo are passing. L F.S.P.