USEFUL HINTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 35, 10 February 1934, Page 13

USEFUL HINTS

“DON’TS” FOR THE AMATEUR. Don’t plant see ls too deeply. Seedsmen often get the blame for selling poor seeds, whereas deep planting very )ftcn is the cause. A good rule to follow is to plant at the seed’s own depth, n sowing line seed' , mix with sand before spreading. Don’t plant trees or shrubs in positions where room is not available for their proper development, or kinds which, by their root system, will be a menace to small plants being grown for bloom. Don’t prune shrubs at the wrong time. In pruning branches don’t leave pieces sticking out from the stem; cut them flush, thus r sisting the bark to grow over the wound. Don’t have anv'hing to do with plants that have been confined in pots until the root system has become cramped and deformed. Don’t overcrowd plants; give each »uhject room for de velopmcnt and furlishing. Don’t burn fallen leaves; if pitted ihey will furnish leaf mould—one of the gardener’s valuable materials. Don’t use wire netting for training permanent creepers, as the stems get cut as the growth expands. Beside retarding the poorer flow of sap, it makes pruning difficult. Don’t use dry soil during potting operations, for in that condition it is difficult for moisture to penetrate more than a little below the surface. Don’t over-pot or over-water plants. Palms for house uocoration should be grown in small pots. Don’t neglect plants, for then pests, in the shape of fungus ami insects, attack them.