THE GREENHOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18891, 13 December 1924, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GREENHOUSE.

SUMMER OPERATIONS.

i During the hot summer months increased attention is necessary in keeping plants under glass .supplied with the accessary moisture. As the temperature increases more ventilation must natural!- bo given, witM-he result that the soil in the pots dn,s up quickly, and the plants suffer unless frequently looked over and , watered „ po u the least signs oi dryness. ! At this time plants not only require ah increased amount of water, but, to maintain healthy growth., a genial moist atmospbere should he preserved. During | the hot summer months most plants sueI ceed better, and arc certainly more easily managed, if the pots are placed or partly Plunged in a layer of coarse sand, fine scoria or other suitable material. By this means a more genial moisture js maintained with tar less trouble in watering or risk of injury than when the plants are placed upon wooden benches. Shade too is important, and must be provided durmg the hottest part of the day.

POTTING RAPID GROWERS.

All rapid-growing plants will require . potting f r o m tunc to time as thev need | more root spare. Clean pots and'plenty | of drainage in every case being provided. , Alter potting, water must be carefully spplied, as freshly potted plants are not in a condition to absorb the same amount of ; moisture as when the pots are filled with | roots. Strong, rapid-growing plants will I now bo benefited with an occasional I watering with liquid manure, though the I strength and amount given must be regulated by the strength and vigour of the ! plants. I his applies equally to flowerj ing or foliage plants. Hanging baskets, too. will be benefited by the same j material. These need special earn in I watering, as being more, exposed to the air they naturally dry up more quickly.

TUBEROUS BEGONIAS.

Tuberous begonias are now growing freely, and are rapidly developing their flowers These arc among the must useful and floriferous of all .summer flowering plant?, and indispensible for greenhouse cultivation. Being hardy and of easy culture they may be grown either in greenhouse, verandah or in the open border. Gloxinias, too, are .splendid flowering plants, and though they require mere careful cultivation than' the begonias, they amply repay for the extra caie taken in their culture. To obtain the best results, the plants require to be grown in -in even moist temperature. Sudden changes of temperature soon cause a rust, to attack the foliage when the plants soon become sickly and valueless. Willi reasonable care, however, fine specimens can lie grown, and abundance of the most gorgeous flowers obtained.