GARDENING NOTES

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXIX, Issue 4723, 23 July 1935, Page 8

GARDENING NOTES

HINTS FOR THE WEEK. The continued production of a rhubarb crop is greatly increased by giving a heavy mulch of manure, and hoeing it well into the soil. The beds must be kept watered well, and a regular weekly application of liquid manure given. Give cow manure for two weeks and sulphate of ammonia every third week. Forcing manures are not necessary for young stock; too early forcing will ruin the plants. Most plants are benefited by cliarcoal, while for the prevention and checking of fungoid growths it is invaluable. It makes splendid drainage for pot plants, and may be washed and used repeatedly. Where plants are slow growing and have to remain a long time in the same pot charcoal broken into pieces the size of beans will keep the soil sweet. It is essential for orchids, as, owing to the amount of water they receive, the compost in which they are grown would quickly become sour if it were not for the sweetening qualities of charcoal. The exquisite and dainty colourings of Shirley poppies make them ideal for floral work." The flowers do not last long in water, but very beautiful arrangements may be made with them. Plant in a fine, rich soil, thoroughly drained, allowing plenty of room between the plants for development. As poppies are the most difficult plants to transplant successfully the seeds should be sown where the plants are to mature. Sow seeds this month and also during August

Coreopsis will grow easily in almost any soil, and the plants can stand any amount of hard treatment. Seeds may be sown now. The flowers are fairly large, are carried on long stems, and last well in water. Coreopsis grandiflora is a fine, hardy plant for general decoration and bor* der use. The flowers are golden brown in colour.

Prepare material for top dressing your lawn early in spring. Sand, loam, and well rootted manure will be required. These should be mixed well and turned over occasionally, and the heap kept free from weeds. Dahlia bulbs should be stored under shelter. If left to lie in the sun or in some out of the way corner they become shrivelled and weakened, and are subject to attacks by slugs and other pests. To intensify the colour of a rose use soot in the liquid form. Soot liquid in combination with liquid cow manure may be used. Make small sowings of lettuce and radish frequently. Large sowings in small gardens mean waste. Delphiniums should be given plenty of water when making growth. Hydrangeas may be pruned now. . Shorten the canes to quite half their length.

CLUB FOOT DISEASE. Club foot disease is fairly common, and attacks many garden, subjects. Cauliflower and cabbage, turnips and Brussels sprouts are subject to the disease, while wallflower and candytuft may also be affected by it The presence of the disease is easily detected. On the roots of diseased plants thickened knob-like swellings form. These swellings, if cut across, will be found to be solid. As the plants develop the swellings increase in size. In time the swollen parts of the root decay, and then large numbers of spores are liberated, which infect the soil with the disease. These spores can exist in the soil for a considerable time, and when the crops mentioned are planted again they become infected. It follows that these plants should not be grown in the same patch for some time after a bad attack of club root.

Plants suffering from this disease are slow in growth, the leaves often become withered, and in the case of cabbage and cauliflower, little or no "head" is made. Plants that are found to be diseased should be taken up immediately and all diseased material should be collected and burnt. The application of a good dressing of lime to the soil greatly reduces the attack of the disease. It should be worked into the ground during winter or early spring.

TIMELY TOPICS

NEWS, NOTES AND VIEWS. Red hot pokers are particularly showy in the border. Now is a good time to add a few of these gems to your collection. Many nurserymen are now offering native shrubs in variety, and gardeners should add a few choice subjects to their gardens. Miss Erica Baillie, who has just returned to Wellington after studying horticulture in England, says that it is at Home that one really sees New Zealand plants appreciated at their true Avorth. Sparaxis is one class of bulb that does not object to harsh treatment. They can be shifted now if their present situation doesn't please you. Polyanthus and primrose plants will appreciate a liberal helping of old litter now.