COTTAGE GARDEN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144709, 18 June 1915, Page 4

COTTAGE GARDEN.

HORTICULTURAL NOTES, No. 12.

(By “Rcwnrewa.”) FLOWER GARDEN

Tuberose (Polianthus Tubcrosa). —This sweetly perfumed flower is not grown with such success as should be. Procure largo strong bulbs, which should have the off-shoots removed. Plant in a warm position, free from frosts, in soil that has been previously enriched with farmyard manure. In cases where plants do not flower, lift the bulb and remove all off-shoots. Riant from May to August. , _ Azalea.—The charming spring flowering plants are unsurpassed either for out or indoor cultivation, and for cut- _ ting purposes are specially valuable, as the flowers last well in water and develop even from the buds, especially if stalks be occasionally re-cut. Plant in a sheltered situation, in well-worked ground; heavy soils ought to ho prepared, or modified, by the addition of a. lighter compound, pent for preference, or, failing that, a mixture of soil and sand. These plants are shallow-rooting and must not he allowed to suffer from drought, especially if grown in pots, as a little neglect will cause, irretrievable harm, .Manure is only admissable as a mulch, and must he well-decayed before being spread as such. A stimulant (after buds are set, or after flowering season), in the shape of half-ounce sulphate of ammonia to four gallons of water, may ho occasionally administered, if the plants seem to require it. A species of thrip, which attacks the under side of the foliago is tho azalea’s natural enemy, and may be dislodged by the free use of the syringe. Transvaal Daisy (Gcrhcra Jaraosonji). —This gorgeous daisy-like plant should ho in every garden in Taranaki. When gerberas are raised from seeds they are liable to damp off during their earlier stages, but once established little : trouble is experienced in this respect. Tho main roots of the gorbera arc of a deep descending nature, with comparatively few fibres, for which reason they grow more freely when planted out in well trenched ground. When plants are procured from a nurseryman, select a warm position, where the soil is fairly good; mix a little soot with tho soil, taking care not to put the plant any deeper than, that which it has been planted in the nursery. Plants once established may remain undisturbed for several years. Some of the now hybrids are more beautiful than tho original. For cut flowers the gerbera is unsurpassed. Plant from June to August. Potting.—Tho proper performance of this operation (simple as it appears) is of tho greatest importance. If new pots are used they should he thoroughly soaked beforehand and allowed to dr\^ : as when used in a wet state both soil and roots of tho potted plant are apt . to adhere to the sides of tho pot during growth. Old pots must be thoroughly cleansed outside and in before being refilled, and the slimy growth which collects during tho season must be poriodi- ’ cally removed —a scrubbing brush and sand are handy materials for this work. Drainage must be ample iu all cases — 5 tho best and handiest being broken 1 flower pots. Avoid tho too common fault of “over potting,” a shift into the next size larger being sufficient in most cases. In re-potting, make tho new soil as firm as the half of the plant, using (with duo caution to avoid injury to tho roots) a liandy-sizcd potting stick or rammer to accomplish this. If this is not done properly the water following tho line of least resistance will pass directly through the loose new soil, leaving the'firm ball of earth and rootlets dry or only partially moistened. Space should be allowed at tho top of the pot for holding sufficient water, and for a slight top dressing with suitable fertiliser, and if pot saucers are used they must not bo allowed to become receptacles for stagnant water. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Cabbage,—This indispensable voge- i table may be grown nearly the whole . year round, and succeeds best on rich and deeply cultivated soil. Plant in rows 2J inches apart, and 18 inches '■ between plants, and earth up the plants during their period of growth. Whether sown in drills or broadcast for subsequent transplanting, care should be taken to prevent tho overcrowding of the seedling, and when these are fit for shifting to their permanent quarters they should be carefully lifted with a ball of earth adhering, taking care to preserve the root fibres intact. Choose a dull clay for this operation. Although . plants may bo purchased of the various varieties of cabbage, the amateur will = find it better in thedong run to grow his ‘ own, and this rule applies- equally to : all seedlings of either vegetables or 1 flowers. To ward off tho attention of 1 the destructive cabbage fly, use tar water and solution of quassia chips, also kerosene emulsion if absolutely ncces- £ sary. Soot forms an effective stimulant -to young cabbage plants during I spring, and also protects them to some extent from birds and other enemies. One ounce of seed should produce 3000 plants. Carrot.—Sow in drills 12 inches apart and about half-an-inch deep; thin out the seedlings to four inches apart for early and six inches apart for late sorts. - A deep rich loamy soil, which has been "heavily manured the previous season for, say, tomatoes, will suit this crop admirably. Fresh manure must not be used, as forked, mishapen and coarseflavoured routs are almost certain to result. For early and successions! rise sow Early Horn from August, and In- , tennediato in October and November, J the latter variety, from its length of ' root, requiring a deep soil. Tile soil before sowing should bo made very fine r and pressed firmly on the seed after L sowing. As carrot seed is somewhat slow to germinate the seed rows should be well defined and early, and persistent weeding should he practised, and the surface soil frequently stirred with the hoe during growth. An application of j soot or superphosphate will bo found beneficial.