THE GARDEN

Evening Star, Issue 24083, 2 January 1942, Page 7

THE GARDEN

THE LOVELY VIOLET METHODS OF CULTIVATION One of the most- popular of spring flowers is the sweet-scented violet, and u seems strange, notwithstanding that, our climatic and soil conditions are ideal for its cultivation, that very few violets are grown. It has been said Ihat violets are not a success in these districts, but I am afraid • that idea arises from a lack of knowledge as to their cultivation. It: was from these districts that violets were sent, to the north for the florists’ trade, yet, at the present time the local markets are supplied by the northern growers. From autumn until the late spring large numbers are forwarded. Good prices have been obtained ibis past season. ' At one stage the prices reached 12s per dozen bunches. Provided the position is a sunny one and well sheltered, with a good rich soil, the crop should lie a satisfactory one, as plants well cultivated will bloom over a considerable period. At this stage the climatic conditions are most suitable for planting the bed. First of all, the site should be well dug and •plenty of well-rotted material, such as animal manure or plenty of well-rotted leaf mould, worked in. After the bed has been dug back, and just prior to planting, a good dressing of oyster grit, should be worked into the surface. The young plants should be well rooted and as strong as possible. When planting the best method is to plant them in rows, allowing a foot between each plant, and the rows should be at least 18in apart. It is essential that the soil be made firm between each plant. Violets are like the strawberry, and enjoy firm soil. If the soil is loose the plants have a tendency to grow rank. As they commence to grow away no runners should be allowed to form. When they appear they should be removed at once. Throughout' the growing season the surface, should be hoed, so as to check all weeds, and, what is most important, to keep the surface open. This will not only keep the weeds down, bub will conserve the moisture. If the weather becomes dry the bed' should have a good hosing after the sun has left the plants. Violets enjoy plenty of moisture, and by keeping the foliage moist red spider and thrips will be kept under. It is essential when the plants are well grown to place a mulch of lawn mowings or similar material between the rows. This will keep the roots moist. The best vanetie? are Princess of Wales and Lloyd George, Both are large and of good colour. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. At the present stage the weather is good for the planting out of certain vegetables for winter use. To provide good crops of celery and leeks for early purposes these plants should be planted out at once, but as both are gross feeders care must be exercised in preparing the trenches before planting takes place. After the trench has been taken out to about two spades m depth a good coating of well-rotted material, such as garden refuse, leaves, or animal manure, should be placed m tha bottom of the trench, and after it has been made firm with the feet, about 6in of soil should be placed over it. This also should bo made firm before putting out the plants. A double lino can be planted if the width of the trench is about Ift across. Allow about Ift between each plant for the celery, but the leeks can be planted about Bin apart. As both plants are gross feeders plenty of liquid manure should be given after the plants are well away into growth. If the self-blanching variety of celerv is grown only a shallow trench will be required. This is a splendid variety for table purposes. . ~ , Cabbage and cauliflowers should be planted for early autumn purposes. The tips of runner beans should be pinched where they are being cultivated without supports. It has been said that beftns grown in this way get dirty. That is not the case, as the growth does not fall over, but stands erect; in fact, the beans are in a better condition for cooking purposes, as they are protected from the sun and do not harden as they do if exposed by cultivation on netting and stakes. It seems strange that acres and acres are grown m the way mentioned in England. If the beans become dirty they would then be unfit for market. . ' There is still time to make sowings of the dwarf French beans; also early peas, carrots, beet, and spinach. THE VINERY.

The vines will require a little feeding at this stage. The early varieties have finished stoning, and will require a stimulant of a well-balanced manure. It is essential that plenty of ventilation be given on fine days, but on cold nights and days less air should bo allowed and the front ventilators should be closed if the weather becomes uufavourablo' F.S.P.