GARDENING NOTES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 31 July 1925, Page 7

GARDENING NOTES.

(Rv “Waratah.”)

RAISING SEEDS

There 4 are three conditions necessary to ensure the successful germination oi seeds of any kind —heat, moisture and air. Seeds* of the best quality .sometimes fail through one or more of these conditions being absent. For - instance, small seeds may be sown too deeply, and although there is sufficient heat and moisture in the soil to promote germination, the depth at which they are sown prevents the necessary amount of air reaching them, and they perish in the process of germination. On the other hand, if sown too near the surface in the summer, the seeds may perish through insufficient moisture.* At this time of year the most common cause of failure is an excess of moisture. If wet weather continues for some time after an early sowing has been made the seeds usually decay because the excessive moisture lowers the temperature of the soil below what is necessary to cause germination. The depth at which seeds should he sown depends on the si/.e of the seeds, the season and the texture of the soil. Small seeds should only he lightly covered with soil; larger seeds, such as peas and beans, may be planted from three to four inches deep. During the hot summer months seeds should be sown deeper in light soils because the surface dries very quickly. In early spring seed sowing should be done with caution. It is a great mistake to sow when the ground is very wet and cold, and better results will be obtained by waiting until the conditions are m-ore favourable. It- is also necessary to bear in mind that, all seeds do not grow with equal strength and vigour. For instance, among vegetable seeds onions, leeks, parsnip and parsley are naturally weak growers, and may fail under conditions that would be quite suitable for peas, beans, cabbages or turnips. Most flower seeds and many vegetable seeds, such as cabbage, cauliflower. lettuce, etc., can be more successfully raised if sown in nursery beds and transplanted when large enough. When sown in this way it is easier to look after them than when sown in different places in the garden, and they may be more readily protected from unfavourable weather conditions and the depredations of insect pests. A rough framework of wood covered with scrim will be found useful to protect the beds from cold winds, frosts, or the heat of the sun in summer.

Choice flower seeds, especially of the tender varieties, should be sown in boxes placed in a, greenhouse, frame, or on a sunny verandah. The boxes should he three or four inches ip depth, and should have a layer of broken crocks or small shingle placed in the bottom for drainage. Leave half an inch of space between the top of the soil and the top of the box. A sheet of glass or a. piece of brown paper .placed over the lip of the box will prevent evaporation and maintain an even temperature. If the soil is well soaked previous to sowing the seed usually no more water will lie required until the seeds germinate, but if the soil shows signs of gettnig dry it should be watered, using a can with a fine rose, so that the surface will not be disturbed and’ the seeds washed 1 away. As soon as the seedlings appear the glass or paper should he removed, or they will become drawn and weakly, and when they are large enough to handle they should he. transplanted two inches apart into shallow boxes filled with good soil containing about one-third well-rotted manure if possible. Plants of a tender nature likely to be injured by frost must not be transplanted into the open border until danger o.f sharp frost is over. If grown under glass they must be gradually “hardened off” by increasing the ventilation at night and then kept- outside in a sheltered place until they have become accustomed to outdoor conditions. ROUTINE WORK.

Shelter and ornamental trees, fruit trees and rose bushes should he planted as soon as possible now. Complete pruning of fruit trees as soon as possible.

Prune rose hushes. Plant rhubarb roots

Plant cabbage and cauliflower plants Plant Jerusalem artichoke*.

Plant garlic and shallots

Sow when weather conditions* are favourable peas, broad beans, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, cress, lettuce, mustard. onions, spinach and turnips. Sow under glass Cape gooseberry, cucumber and tomato seeds. Plant in warm, sheltered situations sprouted sets of early varieties of potatoes, and where not already done place seed potatoes in boxes to sprout. Place in a light, airy shed, and protect from frost at night by placing sheets of paper over the boxes.

YOU SHOULD EAT PHOSPHOROUS. Marshall’s Fosplierine Supplies It. Phosphorous, the most nerve-vital-ising and strengthening element known, has been refined and eliminated from most of our modern foods. The result is that our nerves are starved, and most of us are subject to nerve-illness, in some form. Irritability, lassitude, lack of concentration, all are signs that should be heeded.

Marshall’s Fospherine is rich in phosphates. It quickly revitalises the whole nervous system, supplying the nerve foods that our modern diet fails to. New life and vigour will be yours after a short course of “ Marshall’s.” 2/6 buys 100 doses in the six-sided carton. All chemists and stores. Be sure you get ‘ ‘Marshall’s. ” No other will do. —ls