Garden Notes

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 19, 17 October 1942, Page 4

Garden Notes

WATER IN THE GARDEN How To Make It Go Further TIMELY TOPICS (Bi- “Tub Hou.”) During the next few months the problem of water for plants will take precedence over all other garden problems. In some districts the use of water is already restricted, and if the promised dry, hot summer eventuates, restrictions will become fairly general. Continuous supplies of moisture are essential- to all as they can only absorb their food in liquid form. It therefore becomes necessary to ensure that the best possible use is made of available water. If the soil is well charged with humus, moisture is retained, and gradually released ovbr a long period. If there is little or no humus, the moisture is quickly evaporated. Those/ gardeners who have compost heaps, or have access to supplies of leafmould will find it pays to dig it into the soil. When planting it is also worth while to place a Bin. layer of this organic matter at the bottom of each trench; this layer will absorb the water and retain it for a surprisingly long time. , Moss in the bottom of trenches also acts as a splendid reservoir for water. The moss should be saturated before being covered with soil. After harvesting plants it is interesting to dig up the moss and note how the roots have run riot through it. Though investigations are not complete,, it is fairly evident that there are growth substances in moss other than moisture that encourage root development. In any case, you will find that, particularly with greens such as lettuce, a little moss at the bottom of a trench does stimulate vigorous growth, and at the same time reduces the need for watering. •Mulches, of course, also conserve water and ensure a'cool root-run. Composted matter makes an excellent mulch if applied 2in. thick; leafmould, and old animal manures also serve the purpose. Lawn clippings are useful, but care must be taken to keep fresh clippings from the roots of plants, as they are liable to generate heat in the presence of moisture. Lastly, there is sawdust, provided it is not obtained from pinus radiata and family. It makes a useful mulch, and is particularly useful for acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons. When plants have been mulched, it is essential that the occasional waterings should be sufficiently. thorough to saturate the material and penetrate to the soil beneath it. Timely Topics. Vegetables: You can now sow beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, peas, radishes, spinach, sweet corn, marrows, and pumpkins. You can plant out lettuce, cabbage, spring onions, potatoes, kumeras, cape gooseberries. Flowers: Divide and replant gcrberas, plant gladioli, dahlias, and most of the herbaceous perennials. Trim evergreen hedges. Sow or plant summer-flowering annuals. Most perennials can also be planted.

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