GARDENING NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 55, 7 March 1946, Page 8

GARDENING NOTES

(Contributed by the Wanganui Horticultural Society.) The break in the weather, with even the small rainfall aver the past week-end, has quickened interest in the garden. Spring flowering bulbs should be planted without more delay; thougn some varieties may be planted as late as the end of April, early planting is strongly recommended, particularly if you are growing for the show. Late planting is likely to result in short stems and poorer flowers. Anemones and ranunculus especially should be planted early; root growth becomes fairly extensive before the check that comes with the cold weather, and this better root growth means better and earlier flowers. Whatever you plant, don’t buy poor quality bulbs; ■good stock costs very little more, and requires no more room in the garden or more work on your part—grow the best always. Your seedsman will advise you, or an enquiry to the society, c/o Mr. Eric Lind, Ridgway Street, will get any information you would like; the society exists to help gardeners—don’t be afraid to use it. Chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums need attention in the following ways: If for show purposes, reduce the number of buds per plant to 12 buds for single and three buds for Japanese. Liquid manure made up of old soot (two handfuls) to the sugar bag of cow manure. Put bag of manure in drum of water and let soak for two days before using, and then use at the colour of weak tea. Before applying the liquid manure water the roots of the plants well, then give each plant a quart or more of liquid, and then water again. This can be done every second day once the buds are showing and up till they are showing a good deal of colour. If for garden purposes, use manure in the same way, but leave 12 to 15 buds on singles and up to 20 buds on the Japanese varieties. Spraying is also necessary at this time of the year, using Cosan for mildew and rust, Black Leaf 40 for aphis, arsenate of lead for caterpillars. Derris dust is also good for caterpillar and aphis. When spraying, use according to directions, but be sure to spray the underneath part of the fobage, as this is where caterpillar and rust and mildew attack first. Also spray th* buds well. Be sure your plants are well staked and tied, as we are likely to get the windy weather from now on. Strip off all dead leaves from your plants, as they are useless. Spring Cabbage.—Why is it that so many gardeners plant their spring cabbage in the spring, when it should be nearly ready to cut? Plant out in March, and you will have nice young cabbages to cut when fresh greens are in short supply and consequently at peak prices. I have cut spring cabbage from August onwards by planting in early autumn; a fairly sheltered position is an advantage, but not essential. Lettuce are not in such demand in, the colder weather, but it is good to have a few available, and they should be sown without delay. I have found that the smaller bronze leaved varieties like Mignonette are not hard to grow with a bit of shelter; if you have enough glass or suitable substitute to make a cloche for covering, a good crop is a certainty.

RARE BULBS HARRISON’S Illlustrated Autumn Bulb Catalogue offers the largest selection of New and Rare Bulbs available in the Dominion. Copies post free to genuine garden lovers. Harrison’s Nurseries, P.O. Box 1 - Palmerston North.