TO CORRESPONDENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22391, 11 April 1936, Page 10 (Supplement)

TO CORRESPONDENTS

"Natives," Hamilton.—(l) Ixerba brexioides (Tawari). (2) There is not a better time to move the trees than during the next few weeks. "Inquirer" "Waikino. Superphosphate, sulphate of ammonia and sulphate of potash may be mixed any time prior to using, and kept without any bad effects. "Amateur," Papakura.—(l) Black spot is the trouble and the essential treatment is to epray just before the buds burst in spring. See reply to "Tonga" re sprays. (2) Have no knowledge of the white butterfly parasite attacking the codlin moth; there may be some other reason for their absence from your trees this season. "Incinerator." One Tree Hill.—Wood ashes contain a certain amount of potash, and are of value for most garden crops, principally Toot crops such as carrots, parsnips and onions. Beans also appreciate the potash contained The ashes may be used at any time of the yea*, but should be kept dry until they are used. Do not use wood ashes m composts in which seeds are to be sown. "Orange." Te Awamutu.—'The orange can be cut hard back if desired, the best time being in August when the fruit has been removed. The bark of the orange is subject to scald when exposed to strong sunlight, and if cutting bank is drastically done so as to expose the wood to the sun, it is advisable to coat the bark with whitewash, or wind scrim around it until the head of foliage has grown sufficiently to protect it again. "Native Plants."—(l) It is not necessary to have containers an the boxes. A good proportion of loaf soil and snnd should be incorporated with the soil. (2) The present •is n good time for inserting the cuttings, Make them about 6in. long and insert fi'jr.ly in sandy soil. Conifers \ are best taken with a "heel." (2) Kowhai seeds, being very hard, take a long time to germinate, and purin seeds are similar. None may appear for a year or more. Then they will keep coming up for a considerable period. Expos.