FLOWERS

Northern Advocate, 19 December 1942, Page 9

FLOWERS

Just a few hints may be useful at this season. ,The dry spell killed many plants, and care is needed ;f plants ax - e to become established before the next dry spell. When transplanting seedling's, water the plants before lifting, so as to keep the soil on the roots. Make a hole, and pour from half to a bucket of water in. When this has drained away, put the plant in and cover with dry soil, pressing gently with the foot. Many plants die through not being planted firmly. A few annuals of light growth like a loose soil, but most plants, particularly perennial plants, like to be firmly planted in the ground. When forking the ground between plants, don’t disturb the roots of the plants. Just break the surface soil.

When mulching with grass cuttings, manure, straw, sacking, etc., put the mulch more between the rows, never near the plant stems; and do not put too much on at a time.

Sacking or similar material spread flat on the ground makes a splendid mulch for dahlias, chrysanthemums, etc. «

Chrysanthemums, delphiniums, carnations and violets like particularly firm ground. In light soil, they should have fine gravel chips and compost added. Tread to make the ground firm between the plants.

The geranium is an ideal plant for planting at the foot of a hedge, or beneath trees in partial shade, where the roots are not disturbed. Short pieces of growth root readily at this season. Seed may still be sown of French marigold, Guinea Gold and similar marigolds; also zinnias, petunit, celosia. These are all good dry-weather subjects.