Readers' Problems

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23773, 28 September 1940, Page 9 (Supplement)

Readers' Problems

Failing Geranium.—l have a geranium and all the leaves are going like the enclosed specimen? Would you advise moving the plant which now lias a north-west position which gets very hot in summer? — "Geranium." Ngaruawahia. The plant lacks nourishment, principally nitrogen and potash. Water the plant occasionally with one teaspoon of saltpetre to each gallon of water. There is no disease. Failing Peas. —Could you advise me from the pea plant enclosed, the cause of the trouble and the treatment? —"Green Gardener," Kotorua. The pea is affected with root rot to which pens are subject. There is no reliable treatment which can be given. The best precautions to take arc to give a change of ground to the peas, choosing if possible higher ground, as the spores of the disease can be carried in the drainage water. Eggs of Inseols.—Enclosed are thorns of gooseberry and dead twig of peach. On breaking open the wood you will find white eggs. I would like to have these identified and

to know if they are a menaco and what measures to take for control or eradication if necessary?—" Green Fingers," Tauranga. The eggs are those of tho cicada and these insects do no damage to plants and trees other than slitting of the bark in order to deposit their eggs. Sometimes twigs may die or break off as a result of the work, but this is the extent of the damage. Double loeland Poppy.—l have an Iceland poppy plant which so far has had all double flowers. I have tried to get some seed from them, but have had no luck. Do you think as the weather .pets warmer, tho seeds may come? —W. 8., Avondale. If the flowers are fully double there will he no seed as the stamens have lioen aborted into petals. You can, however, propagate by division as the Iceland poppy is a perennial, although usually grown as an annual. Take off small side shoots, with a fow roots if possible, and plant in sandy soil In a shady border, where they will he cool and protected from strong sunshine dnring the summer.

Canadian Thistle. —We are laying flown a howling green on a patch of Canadian thistle and are exporting quite a lot of trouble from it. Would it ho satisfactory to topdress the surface with sodium chlorate before putting on the laat foot of soil? Would this bo likely

to affect the grass when sown' arid do yon consider that it would stop (lie thistle coming through ? —"lnquirer," Waitomo. So long as the sodium chlorate was not allowed to become mixed with the top foot of soil, there should lie no harm to the grass when sown. The best plan would he to apply the sodium chlorate, then wait a week or two to allow the chemical to be washed in, before applying the top foot of soil. It should certainly check the thistle. Tho close mowing necessary for a bowling green will also tend to keep the thistle down.

Fig Trees.—(l) A fig tree, wliich bore fruit for the first time last season, is now sending forth new growth. At the same time there are a number of small young figs showiiig 'without an.v flowers having appeared. Arc they from last season and should they be removed? (2) f understand there are >w° kinds of Lima beans, dwarf and tall. Which produces the greater crop, and is there any difference in the qualities of the hcan when allowed to ripen for winter use? — Gratelul, New Lynn. . (I) The fig flowers are- enclosed in lie small green figs which are showing now. imp flowers fertilise Jliemselvcs inside the fig and are not visible externally. If the young figs have not been on tho tree all the winter, they should be left as they will produce the crop. (2) The dwarf Luna beans nil! suit this climate best, and will usun 11 y_ produce the greater crop on a given area, rnero is no difference in the quality of the beans when dried for winter use.

Weevil Pests. —These small insects arc a nuisance to tho small cabbage and carrots especially. What can 1 do to get rid of them and keep them away? What is tho name of the insect? —M.11., Kaikohe. The insects arc the grubs of the vegetable weevil. Spraying the crops with arsenate of lead at half an ounce lo one gallon of water will protect tho crops; but crops should not bo sprayed with this poisonous spray if tlicy arc likclv to tie consumed within threo weeks Bunches'of fresh green clover dipped in tho arsenate of lead solution can bo laid at. dusk along the rows of vegetables, and will dispose of many pests. The baits should bo laid freph each evening, as the stalo clover is not Attractive.

Pumpkin Growing.—Would you advise me of the best way (o grow pumpkins? The soil hero is heavy. I have put in seed to-day Should I sprinkle fertiliser on top of the mound? —"Mrs. G.." Dcvonport. Pumpkins like plenty of organic matter in the soil, and failing a supply of animal manures, the mounds should contain plenty of decayed vegetable refuse well mixed with the soil. Plenty of water is required during the growing season, and it is a good idea to sink a benzine tin. in the top of the, mound, after punching a few holes in tho bottom. Fill this with water occasionally during tho summer. Blood and bone can be forked into tho mound if you have applied no other fertiliser. Clarkias Falling.—(l) I have a bed of Clarkias about two feet in height, but several of the plants have wilted and died. I can find no reason for this; could you advise a euro? (2) As each flower of my pansies opens, it Is eaten off. I have not noticed anything on them and would be grateful if you could advise tho canso and treatment to protect the rest.—C.A.W., To Puke.

(1) The Clarkias are, subject to collar-rot, especially when transplanted.- Being hardy annuals, these plants are best sown where they aro to flower and then thinned out. Watering with a solution of Chcshunt compound may save the remainder. (2) Probably snails como out at night and oat tho pansies Look for them at night with a torch. Dusting tho plants with old soot will act as a deterrent.

Dry Oranges.—(l) Please adTlso tho reason for tho oncloscd oranifo bointr dry. Some of (ho earlier oranges taken off were quite Juicy. TTnvo they been taken off too soon? Please identify enclosed flower.—M.M., Tnhiinn. (1) The orange has been kept in too dry a position and has lost its moisture too rapidly. (2) Jonqoilla campornelli floro pleno.