ANSWERS TO PUZZLED GARDENERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 608, 9 March 1929, Page 28

ANSWERS TO PUZZLED GARDENERS

Epsom.—l suggest you prepare and rake over your ground at once ready for sowing the seed, picking out any roots of couch tht may be seen. The ground may then be left until the end of the month when the autumn rains make sowing possible. I do not suggest you sow couch grass as it will take possession of the garden, breaking up paths and coming up through flower beds. Apart from this it is inclined to turn brown during the winter months. Buffalo grass roots may be planted if a couch grass Is especially required. 1 suggest you sow a mixture of half ryegrass perennial, quarter chewings fescue, quarter poa pratensis. Taka puna.—Cosmo plants this season have caused much trouble in several districts, many plants being blind, that is, the tips of the young shoots where the buds generally appear are curled into little round knobs that will never bloom.

If this is the case pull the plants out and burn them. On the other hand there is plenty of time for tlfe flowering season is generally about Easter and if on examination the plants are perfectly healthy, success will come to those who wait. Gladioli bulbs may be made to flower at any period of the year providing the cormes are of correct size and the planting mad.' a,t certain intervals. Keep the bulbs well watered through the dry weather and flowers should be available about the end of April. W.M.S., Morningside.—(l) Plant your vines from 12 to 15 feet apart. (2) Queen Alexander or Albany Surprise are two reliable varieties for outdoor purposes. (3) Black Hamburg, Isabella and the two former varieties. (4) Set the plants from June till August. (5) The vines will have to be properly trained along the fence as they grow, the side shoots being fastened to the background by tying securely. Careful yearly pruning will be needed. A special article will be published dealing with general culture, etc., at the planting period.