Gardening Notes

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 77, Issue 6566, 15 September 1948, Page 11

Gardening Notes

WORK FOR THE WEEK Flower Garden Although ‘the planting of bedding plants in rows or mass is favoured by most people, as an easy and effective way of getting a good summer display, it is not wise to neglect the old method of sowing to flower without transplanting. With many poor rooting sorts, it is really the only way, and surprisingly good results can be got with suitable varieties. Larkspur, nasturtium, clarkia, linum, ■candytufand mignonette could be mentioned, and as for viscaria a perfectly entrancing border effect can be got by sowing thinly in a two feet wide row of some length. The erect, graceful, swaying habit of a mass of viscaria or linum is hard to beat. Asters, stocks, zinnias, nemesia, and calendula will also give results in this way, and where the deadly soil germ causing wilting or stem rot is suspected, sowing in their flowering place will reduce greatly the risk of infection for the reason that the germ enters a plant through a broken rootend. Gladiolus can now be freely planted. There are few difficulties in the way of success with these lovely flowers. Corms should be at least six inches apart at least, and at least four inches deep. Chrysanthemum planting time has also arrived. A little more care is needed with them as they carry on for a longer period and need thought as to position and soil building. They will appreciate old cow manure mixed into the planting site. Border perennials should not be overlooked. They are good for cutting and good for permanent display, and the garden is not complete without them. Perennials that delight the keen gardener that can now be planted include the graceful gerbera. These lovely South African plants are quite hardy enough here but do not like a cold, wet position. Ornamental and flowering shrubs can be planted. Rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, viburnum, boroni<| camellia, amd hydrangea pjre some of the selection available. Lawn making is a current job, too, September being the best month of the year in which to sow.

Vegetable Garden Most home gardeners are intent on getting in their spring seeds, helped by the good weather of recent weeks. It is presumed most readers have attended to earlier advice to dig in manure or compost. This does not preclude the use of super at sowing time, as a further source of plant food as it is complementary and a builder of strong, robust plant growth. As soon as the first sowings of early peas has sprouted through sow a second early for succession. Good sorts of medium height would include Greenfeast, Onward, Kelevedon Wonder, and Laxton’s Progress. All the. main root crops can be sown, and of course, the salad plants, with silver beet, spinach, turnips, and cabbage. Onions sown in autumn should bsf; thinned to three inches apart. As they transplant well, use the best thinnings to increase the supply, unless small bulbs for pickling are wanted, when crowded rows will achieve that result. Raised mounds on which to grow cucumber or pumpkin should be built up, using grass clippings and other garden waste. Seeds of these can be sown provided protection is given on cold nights; but undue hurry is not advised. Plant potatoes for using at Christmas time and a good cropper to follow, such as Arran Banner, Snowdrop, or King Edward. Artichokes can be planted, also rhubarb and asparagus roots. Apply coarse salt to existing bed at rate of 4oz to square yard. Fruit Garden Grafting can be done now. Although a technical job, it is not difficult, and is worthwhile as a means of converting a second rate tree into one of good quality. There is the chance of growing several kinds of apples on the one tree, and that is always a source of pride. In the same class comes the practice of growing apples on pear trees and vice-versa, as is done by some enthusiasts. Pruning of all fruit trees should be finished. Apples can be sprayed with red oil, but while stone fruits are in flower, spraying with lime sulphur or bordeaux should be deferred.