GARDENING NOTES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 6 August 1926, Page 6

GARDENING NOTES.

(By “Wa-ratah.”) RAISING SEEDS,

There are three conditions necessary to ensure the successful germination of seed-s of any kind- —heat, moisture- and ■air. Seeds of the best quality sometimes fail through one- or niore 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 pe-ri-sh 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- be sown depends on, the .size, of the .seeds,, the season, and the texture -of the soil. Small seeds should! only be lightly covered with -soil; larger seeds, .such .as peas and beans, may he 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 verywet -and cold, -and better .results will be obtained by waiting until the conditions are- more favourable. It is also necessary to hear in mind that all seeds do not grow with equal strength and vigour. For instance, among vegetable seeds onions, leeks, narsnip 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, b© more .successfully raised if sown in. nursery beds and transplanted when large enough. When sown in this way it is ea.sie-r 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 front cold winds, lrosts or the heat of the sun in -summer. Choice flower seeds, especially of the ten-der varieties, .should be sown in boxes placed in a greenhouse, frame, or on. a sunny verandah. The boxes should be three or four incites in. depth, and should have a layer of broken crocks or small shingle- placed in the bottom for drainage. Leave half an jnoh of space between the top of the soil -and the top of the box. A sheet pf 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 be- well soaked previous to sowing the- seed, usually no more water will be required until the seeds germinate, but if the- soil- shows signs of getiring dry it should) be watered, using a pan with a fine rose, so that the surface will not be disturbed and the, -seeds washed away. As soon as the seedlings appear the glass or paper sh-onld be removed, or they will become -drawn and weakly, and- when they are large enough to handle they' should be transplanted two- indies apart in shallow boxe-s filled with good soil containing about one-tliird 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 of sharp frost i,s 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 thev 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 bushes. Plant rhubarb loots. Plant cabbage and cauliflower plants. Plant Jerusalem, artichokes. Plant garlic and shallots. Sow when weather conditions ore favourable peas, broad bean,s, -cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, cress, .lettuce, mustard, onions, spinach and turnips. Sow under glass Cape gooseberry, cucumber and tomato seedsPlant in, warm, .sheltered situations sprouted -sets of early varieties of potatoes, and where not already done place seed potatoes ini boxes to sprout. Place in a light, airy shed and 1 protect front frost- at ni.glit by placing sheets of paper -over the boxes.