READERS' PROBLEMS: Some Queries Answered

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23169, 15 October 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

READERS' PROBLEMS: Some Queries Answered

Praying Mantis.—Please find enclosed unknown specimen of chrysalis. Can you name this and tell me a little about its faults or otherwise?—R.P.M.. Hamilton.

The specimen is the empty egg case of the praying mantis. These green insects are often seen flying about in summer, and also poised on leaves and twigs with the forelegs raised, ready to catch other insects on which it lives Last season I watched a mantis devour a white butterfly, leaving only the wintrc. The eproM are laid in a frothy substance exuded by the female. This substance hardens on expoguro to the air. The larvae, about half an inch long, immediately commence their predatory habits.

Identification of Lily.—Could you name this lily tor inc. It seems very rare, and has been In our family Harden for many years, but n) one around hero seem* to know its name. It grows and flowers profusely for years in an old box.—"Sary," Kaitaia. * Clivia miniata, ». native of South Africa, member of the Amaryllis family. It is not exactly rare, for many plants aro to bo seen around Auckland. The plants flower best when they aro root-bound and dislike disturbance onr'e (hey are established.

Cheshunt Compound.—fl) Could you advise me of the ingredients for making dieshunt compound. (2) The quantities of manures for potatoes, super, ammonia and potash.— J. 8., Ellerslio. . il) Eleven ounces of carbonate of ammonia, two ounces of bluestone. Powder all finely and mix together, placing in an airtight glass jar. Leave for 21 hours before use. Dissolve one ounce in a little hot water, then make up to two gallons with cold water. (2) Superphosphate four purts, sulphate of ammonia one part, sulphate of potash one part. 121b. to every to square yards. Before planting and aguin just before moulding up.

Identification of Shrubs.—Will you kindly name the' enclosed shrubs. (I) The sticky one I have wanted to know its name for year* a* 1 wish to procure a bush for tlie Thames coast. Will it grow there? 02) Single yellow flower. (3) Double yellow flower. Arc they the name family? (4) Do suckers of flowering cherries flower.—"Netherton."

(I) Erlostenion nerifolia. Yes. 02) and (3) Single and double varieties of Keiria Japonica, commonly called Jew's Mallow. (4) Suckers from flowering cherries are usually from the mahaleb or gean stock on which the flowering kind - has been budded, if so, they will not produce flower like the parent tree. The suckers will flower In time.

Daffodil Leaf Scorch.—(l) Can you offer any suasion why one side only of the v»ffodll« encloied are developed. Other# «h»f?2i .°5 *A>Mi, but Jn ,* l come lnto bud up, Oi) please also name the two ®nclcHied.—"PulMkoh% Eaet." AcorVh lnt6etwi the leaf «h»th curtlsli. The 01 I P B lowers becomes Infected aa it dbl.tL." I '., T,om im- P nt "If Md burn oK Oowew. Before the foliage ripens * iv ® a epraj(ing with Bordeaux

powder at one ounce to one gallon of water. Next spring, cut off any hrowted tips that arc seen when the bulbs come through the soil and spray again. 02) Red flower, Habrothamnus elegans. Yellow flower. Kerria japonica, the Jew's Mallow. Manures tor Vegetables.—Could you advise nie on the following:—(1) Manure for garlic. For sweet corn. (3) For carrots. (1; To prevent blackbirds from, attacking coloured tomatoes at the beginning of the ripening (5) To prevent small birds from pulling off the buds of peach trees. —C.D.P., New Plymouth. (1) Three parts superphosphate, one part sulphate of potush. Nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia one ounce per square yard at intervals during the growing season. (\2) Three parts super to one part sulphate of potash, plenty of lime in the soil and use nitrogen during growth with discretion, us an over rich soil will grow foliage at the expense of the cobs. (3) A plot well manured for a previous crop is the best for carrots. Failing that, apply four parts super, two parts blood and bone, and one part sulphate of potash, well worked into the soil before sowing. (1) Pick the tomatoes on the first sign of colour, they will ripen as well in a dark place, the only alternative is to net them, as one could not spray with noxious compounds at that period. («*>) Spray the peach huds with a weak solution of coal tar disinfectant before they burst. One fluid ounce to four gallons of water, with the same amount of treacle added to aid its adhesive qualities. Box Edging."Will you pleaso advise the best time to take cuttings of box edging?— "Edging," Waiuku. fnsert the cuttings from the end of March until May Lifting Lachtnallai. —(I) Should lachenalias he taken up every year or how often? When should they be planted again und how deep? (») What kind of soil suits them best and should they bo manured?-— "Beginner, Wuipu. .... , . .. (I) It Is not necessary to lift lachenalias every year. The bulbs may be left until they become too crowded, say, every three years. <U) Lift when the bulbs die down and it is best to replant at once, or at least by March. (3) A sandy loam suits the bulbs best and no animal manutes should be given. Bonedust or basic slag worked Into the soil before planting will be the best. Stopping Vir.es.—l am enclosing a sKetch and will you kindly reply to the following questional (1) Did I cut back correctly last »rason? 02) At what atage will I pinch this season's growth? (3) What will I do with any new growth which will arise? (4) Where will next aeaion'a growth come from, lust . year's growth or what Is coining on this year?~''(irapes." Tnantes. "« Growth was left rather long, cut back to two buds next time. Oi) Pinch at the i 1h " topmost hunch | ot fruit ipft, (J) 1 inch the secondary growths

at one good leaf. M) Next sea-on's growth will arise from the huds at the base of this season's laterals.

Persistent Weed.—Am enslosing samples of a weed which has infested a small bed and is ,uw i urstuig through the paths ail joi'ilig. The weed appears to be deep rooting and every small piece will grow. Have tried to eradicate It with weed killer, also heavy dressings of salt. Would he. glad of the name of the weed and also any method of exterminatinK it. Your advice reprardincr flowennjr currant was much appreciated and the bush is now looking much better. —"Maungakickie.' The plant is Hupleurum friiticosum. There are, several species of these weedy perennials native to Southern Europe, which in our climate become persistent weeds. Owing to their deep rooting habit, weed killers arc not of much avail, and the only reliable melhod is to dig out as much us possible, then hoe off as fast as it shows above ground during summer.

Delect in Pumpkins—The ilesh of ninny of my triarnhlc pumpkins last summer is a ffected by hard lumps. There is nothing in the outside appearance to indicate this. When cooked, however, portions remain hard and Inedible. What is the cause, and what would you recommend to remedy this defect? The pumpkins were grown in good heavy soil with a moderate amount of old dry fowl manure and a little lime worked into the mounds. 1 appreciate tho assistance given through your columns, which have helped mo considerably.—"Trees, St. Heliers.

The condition is known as woodiness and is usually associated with a lack of nitrogen. Tho application of lime at the sjuue time as the fowl manure would have the effect of driving off the nitrogen contained in the manure to the detriment of the plants. If yon are using fowl manure next season, to every •JMlb. of fowl manure add Olb. of superphosphate, and lib. of sulphate of potash. This will give you a good balanced mixture which can be applied at four ounces per squure yard. Thanks for your appreciation.

Ranunculus Troublo.—l am enclosing a leaf of ranunculus and would be glad of your advice regarding the disease which has attacked it. All the plants have been affected In the same manner, the leaves turning yellow and stalks of the flowers falling limp. Will you kindly state whether the disease will affect the roots for future planting. Aphis have infested the plants since being attacked by the disease.—H.C., Te Kuiti.

There is no disease apparent, the trouble has been caused by some faulty cultural conditions. Fresh rank manure or bad drainage would bring about such trouble. The roots are evidently affected, us the yellow leaf is an efTect rather than a cause. As a rule ranunculus arc hardly worth keeping after the second year: young stock raised from seed will bo more vigorous and healthy. If seed is sown in February or March, flowering plants can be had the following spring. For ilie aphis spray with a good insecticide such

as nicotino sulphate with plenty of soap, or even soapy water alono if nothing: else is available.

Poor Polyanthus.—(l) I have a hed of polyanthus which did wonderfully last year, but this season the blooms arc poor and the leaves of some a yellowish ureen with almost no flowers. What do you think is the deficiency in the soil? (•_') What is the best manure for lily of the valley. Mine are trrowinif quite well, but have ixior flower spikes. (3) Could you identify the piece of shrub enclosed and state if it. is worth keeping? 1 always And your Kardeninß notes most helpful.—Cambridge

H) Tho plants arc evidontly starved. Well decayed row manure dug into the lied would he Hie best manure, failing dial, use blood and bone at the rate of two o uric en per square yard when preparing the bed for next season. CJ) Lily of the valloy should havo a topdressing of half leaf soil and half well decayed manure spread over the bod every season about April. CI) Cannot identify the shrub from the leaf alone. Poorman Orange Foliage.—l am enclosing some leaves from a poorman orange tree. Can you let ine know what causes the leaves to go yellow f —"Orange," Moerewa. The leaves appear to have been injured either by frost, or sun scorch, as the leaves are yellow only on the upper side. Has the tree been recently planted, if so, the change of conditions may ho responsible. During dry spells see that the tree does not lack water, and apply sulphate of ammonia one pound for each year of age of the tree, anil water in. This should stimulate growth and better foliage.

Identification of Shrub. —Would .vou please advise 1110 of the English and Latin names of the enclosed shrub, which has a white slurlike blossom.—To Aroha.

Latin name, Doutzia gracilis. No common name known.

Oxalls Weed.—Could you let me know the name of the enclosed plant. 1 am told that it takes possession of the place. At present there are a few plants only.—T.P.O., Howick.

The plant is Oxalis cernua, one of our worst weeds. If you have a few plants, now is the time to get rid of it. Pour boiling water on the plants and cover with sacks to keep in the steam. Do this as often as you see any plants show above the ground. This procedure will cook the small tubers and effectually prevent them from developing into plants. Use of Pine Needlei.—(l) Why are pine needles bad for the soilf I use pine needles for the fowlhouse and of course need the cleanings for the garden. Would tho material used just ei it was collected be detrimental to the soil? To what extent are wood ashes detrimental to a soil hiicli as my garden, a clay subsoil extensively worked, but irets verv hard und difficult to break up in dry weather. I always have a quantity of wood ashes on huud, but havo not used them

to any extent, as I understand that it is not advisable.—"Jeff," Waimauku. (1) Pino needles when fresh contain a certain amount of turpentine, and are Injurious to plants. As you will observe, there are very few planta which thrive under pine trees. There in no objection to the pine needles when rotted down. (2) The app!ication of wood ashes to a clay soil will make it «til! more sticky and hard to work. Your bent plan would be to make a compost heap of the cleanings from the fowlhouse, together with the pine needles, wood ashes, weeds, grass cuttings or any products of that nature. Turn over once a fortnight and you will soon havo an excellent material for your soil. The organic material will have the effect of opening up the soil and making it easier to work. In addition, you will bo adding a quantity of humus to the soil, "t » jfr"