SEASONABLE WORK

Evening Star, Issue 22454, 26 September 1936, Page 23

SEASONABLE WORK

THE FLOWER GARDEN Those who have begonia bulbs should now box them up to commence growth. The bulbs should be placed in a compost of fibrous learn, rotted leaves, or good rotted animal manure, with a sprinkling of sharp or coarse sand. The tubers should only be lightly covered with the compost, and just kept moist. No attempt must be made to force the tubers into growth, but must be allowed to break naturally. When the growth commences ,to come away strongly, then, if required for pot work, they should be potted into 4in pots in a similar compost. When large plants are required they should be shifted into larger pots when the plants have made plenty of roots. After the plants have been potted into 4in pots plenty of air must be given and the pots placed in a half-shady position, as begonias love the shade. When the plants are wanted for bedding purposes there is no need to pot them, but as soon as there /is good growth the tubers should be transplanted into shallow trays or boxes and kept growing until they are strong enough to plant into their flowering quarters. The border or bed to receive them must be thoroughly prepared. Plenty of good rotted material must be dug in so as to provide moisture. Begonias must have plenty of moisture throughout the summgr, or else they are a failure. These beautiful flowering plants will more than repay for extra trouble taken in preparing the soil to receive them. When nearly all the annuals have done flowering begonias will still be carrying large quantities of lovely coloured flowers. These plants will flower until the frost cuts them down. Those who have a' glasshouse should certainly raise a small batch from seed every year. By this means one can soon have a good collection. As the seedlings flower, retain only those that are really worth growing. _ .Begonia seed is not difficult to raise it care is exercised. Very often the seed is ruined by being washed off the surface by the injudicious use of the watering can. Another mistake is often made in using sand on the surface of the seed bed. It is simply not wanted, the sand often containing salt, iron, and other minerals, and prevents germination, especially with such fine seed as the begonia. The only compost that is needed is an equal proportion of loam and leaf mould, with a little rotted cow manure. This must be passed through the meshes or a line sieve. The pans or pots should be well drained, and on the crocks material such as moss or half-rotted leaves should be placed over the drainage so as to prevent the soil from choking up the drainage. The soil should be made firm and perfectly level when placed in the pan. Then the whole should be immersed until the soil becomes thoroughly saturated. After being allowed to drain to permit surplus moisture to get away the seed should be sown on the prepared surface ot the soil. A piece of glass placed over the seed pan will greatly assist gerinitiation, and the pan should be put in a shady position in a glasshouse or garden frame. The surface from now on must never be allowed to become dry. When the sced_ requires water do not use the watering can at this stage. If the pan is placed so as to have a partial immersion from below the water will reach the seed, and the seedlings will not be damaged by overhead watering. When the seedlings appear the glass should be tilted so that the plants become inured to light and air. When the plants become large enoughHo handle they should be transferred into shallow boxes or pans with a similar compost as advised for seed. The small seedlings are best transferred with a sharp stick. Then treat the plants by shading and partial immersion from below, and begin to give plenty of air until they are strong enough to stand outside in a shady position with a shelter from the winds. The seedlings will flower in late autumn, when a selection of the bestformed flowers and colours can bo made. The spring bulbs are now making rapid growth, and these can be assisted by giving a dressing of artificial manure. Give a light dressing between the lines, then work it in with the hoe. The daffodils and tulips are enjoying the rain which we have been having lately. These bulbs love plenty of moisture, and if this weather we shall have a great spring, with beautiful specimens of these delightful flowers. The hyacinths seem to be extra fine this season. I had the pleasure of seeing the finest spikes of these highlyscented flowers a few days ago at Alton Crescent, Musselburgh. The spikes were nearly lit in length. Their flowers were well formed and the colours good.

Of course, the cultivation had been 1 carefully carried out in feeding, etc. I was pleased to see these lovely spikes, as hyacinths generally are very poor compared with the English and Dutch blooms. No doubt when the cultivation of these bulbs is carried out as to soil feeding, etc., we shall be able to produce them equal to other countries, such as England and Holland. The tulip, which a few years ago was verv poor in New Zealand, is now becoming one of the most popular spring flowers, and in a very short time we shall be able to hold our own with other bulb-producing countries. F.S.P.