GARDENING NOTES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 4 May 1928, Page 8

GARDENING NOTES.

(BY “WARATAH.”)

SPRAYING FRUIT TREES.

As soon as the crops have been harvested the trees should be sprayed to destroy insect .pests 1 and to control fungoid diseases. San Jose scale. This is one of the pests for which autumn treatment is decidedly beneficial. This scale is a most prolific breeder and seriously affects 1 the trees by constantly draining the sap. The Scale is active all the year round, though not so vigorous in winter as .in summer. As the trees are dormantin winter and not building dp a reserve of food the San Jose scale does Adore harm in proportion at this period' than while the tree is in active growth. This is the main reason why autumn or early winter treatment is advised. Lime-sulphur or red-oil will kill this scale. Lime-sulphur should :be used at a strength of one gallon to fifteen gallons of water, and red oil one part to 16 gallons off. water. It is not necessary- to use stronger solutions if the work be thoroughly done. The l whole of the tree must be thoroughly soaked. Apply when the leaves commence -to drop or as soon after as possible.

WOOLLY APHIS. Autumn treatment fur this pest is coming more into favour. The same arguments can be used for the autumn treatment of this pest as for San Jose scale. The spray must be forcibly driven .into rough baric to ensure success, where there are only 'a few trees to spray it is advisable to rub the solution well into the bark of the trunk and main branches with a stiff brush. Red-oil —one part to twenty parts of water should be used. Peach die-back and blister. Any trees affected should receive an autumn Bordeaux spray at a strength of 81b bluestone, 61b of fresh burnt lime to fifty gallons of water; the bluestone and lime should be dissolved in separate vessels, and the solutions poured simultaneously into a third receptacle, which should be‘ made of wood, or the ready prepared Bordeaux powder may fee used at a strength of one lb to each five gallons of water. J,ILIUM CANBIDUM. This old fashioned lily is very common in English gardens where it is Usually to be seen in large clumps consisting of dozens of bulbs sometimes so closely packed that many are pushed out of the soil, yet they bloom well every year. This lily is peculiar in the fact that after flowering, and when the stem has died down, a tuft of green leaves is sent up which remains green all through the winter. The best time 1 to move the bulbs is just before or when this tuft is appearing. This lily likes a well-drained soil, and will do well near trees or shrubs where little else will grow. The bulbs should be planted about six inches deep in soil free from animal manure, and once planted should be loft undisturbed for years. No doubt the reason why large well-flowered clumps are seldom seen in this l country is because the bulbs are lifted too frequently. ROUTINE WORK. Earth up celery and leeks. Prepare soil where it is intended to plant fruit trees by digging two feet; deep and .mixing some well decayed manure or bonedust with the bottom; spit. Plant out rooted layers of carnations. Plant early-flowering gladioli. Finish planting spring-flowering bulbs. Sow sweet peas. Sow broad beans, cabbage, cauliflower. carrot, cress, endive, lettuce, mustard, onion, dwarf peas, parsley, radish, spinach, turnip. Sow on raised beds in as sheltered and sunny a position as possible. Trench all vacant plots and sow with mustard, oats, or barley to dig in later as green manure.