SHIFTING SEEDLINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22320, 18 January 1936, Page 8 (Supplement)

SHIFTING SEEDLINGS

PERENNIALS AND BIENNIALS The perennials and biennials sown last month for a flowering display next spring and summer are likely to become drawn and starved if left in the seed beds too long. Transplanting in the early stages will make the root system less liable to damage, and as the top growth is not likely to be very extensive yet, it will not bo so likely to " Hag" and will recover quickly without placing an undue strain on the young rootlets. Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, Canterbury Bells, and the various other subjects that were sown in lines and drills should bo given a good soaking of water and partially lifted with a garden fork, prior to tho transplanting, liven then, because of the proximity of the roots of ono plant to the other, only a moderate amount of soil will adhere to each individual plant. To supplement this treatment, not only in the present cas®, but in all circumstances where plants have to be moved in* hot, dry periods, the following procedure can bo recommended. First prepare the selected site by digging, making tho soil firm, and reducing to a fine tilth on the surface. If a piece of ground has been cleared of potatoes it will not require digging, but needs merely to be levelled and raked. Draw lines at a distance of one foot apart, and along these make holes with a dibber at least six inches apart. The holes should be filled to the surface with water which will soon drain away. In the meantime prepare a bucketful of thin mud by mixing some garden soil with water, and as the plants are drawn from tho drills, dip or puddle the roots in the mud before planting in the prepared holes. After planting rake some of the dry soil between the rows round the plants, to prevent excessive evaporation, and obviate the necessity of watering. Plants treated in this manner establish themselves quickly and seldom require watering. Subsequent treatment will consist of frequent hoeing between the rows to keep down weeds and provide a soil mulch. If during a very dry spell, however, watering is necessary, a heavy soaking should be given. Sprinkling over the surface will only encourage the roots to grow in the top few inches of soil, a state of things which is not desirable.