PROTECTING SEEDLINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22166, 20 July 1935, Page 8 (Supplement)

PROTECTING SEEDLINGS

SLATERS, SLUGS AND MICE

It is a bitter disappointment to rejoice over a pan of thriving seedlings one day, and to return the next to find each plant mown to the ground. Yet if due precautions are not taken, every gardener will inevitably face such losses. The pests especially favour young, succulent seedlings with their attentions. NVoodlice, or slaters, frequently cause havoc among the seedpans, and seem especially fond of many seedlings. They do not so often attack the older and tougher plants. Unfortunately slaters are not the easiest foes to combat. The first step is to clear away all rubbish, such as heaps of stones or old timber, which provide harbourage for these pests, and no steps taken to destroy them will bo effective while the breeding places remain. Poisoning Slaters

The most effective way of clearing out the slaters, after the preliminary clean up has taken place, is to place small heaps of Paris Green and bran, sweetened with treacle, aboiit the places where the pests are seen. Make the preparation as follows: —Four ounces of Paris Green is placed in a suitable container, with seven pounds of bran, previously moistened with water in which two tablespoonfuls of treacle have been dissolved. The preparation is then thoroughly mixed before placing the baits. Care should be taken to keep the mixture away from domestic animals or children, as Paris Green contains arsenic.

Slugs are inveterate enemies. Do what one inaj- they will always account for some of your choicest seedlings. Remedies are many, and some are quite effective. One well-tried plan is to make a thin line of crystals of permangamate of potash, either around each pot or pan, or else around the stageing or frame. Slugs will not cross this barrier. The one disadvantage is that the crystals are soluble in water, and so the protection must bo renewed every few days. Choice Subjects Choice seedlings in pots or pans can bo effectually protected from the attacks of insect pests such as slugs and slaters, by tying a piece of thick string, previously soaked in kerosene, around the pot or pan. Tho pests are prevented from gaining access to the plants by this means. The aluminium sulphate solution frequently given in these columns, is still one of the most efficient of .slug destroyers, while being perfectly harmless to plants. Mice aro sometimes destructive to seeds and young plants, and are best dealt with by trapping or poisoning. Traps may be baited with toasted cheese, on which a few drops of oil of aniseed have been sprinkled, as this forms an irresistible attraction to mice. A little phosphorous paste, spread on cubes of bread placed among the seed pans, will poison many. Phosphorous paste has a very unpleasant smell so is not often touched by domestic animals, but it is as well to be on the safe side and place it out of reach. CURRANT VARIETIES PRUNING REQUIREMENTS

The growth of these two fruits is different from that of the black currant, and a different system of pruning needs to be adopted. The bushes are built up gradually by adding 9in. to 12iu. of leader each year, until it reaches its maximum height. It can

then be renewed by cutting out whole branches and replacing them with young ones grown from the centre of the bush.

The winter priming consists of cutting back' the side laterals to form spurs, as shown in the sketch. Summer pinching of the laterals will assist in the formation of fruit buds, but the main leaders should be allowed to grow unchecked until the winter pruning.