Work in the Garden

Lake County Mail, Issue 36, 11 February 1948, Page 8

Work in the Garden

“ crocks ” around or among these and cover with rough drainage material, i.e., fibre from screened turf, decayedleaves or straw or astelia fibre. The compost should consist of three parts really good, well-rotted fibrous turf, one part of loaf mould or weathered peat, and one part of sand. Chop the turf up finely with a spade. It should not be sieved except for small bulbs. A fiye-inch pot full of bonedust may be added to each barrowful of compost. Place an inch or two of compost in the receptacle and, if well-rotted cow or sheep manure is available, a moderate dressing may be added here where it will not come' in contact with the bulbs. Fill the pots, firming the compost evenly. The soil should be just moist but not sticky. Plant the bulbs, which should; be of good uniform size, about one inch below the surface. The surface soil, when firmed, should be one inch below the rim of the pot. Five bulbs for a six-inch pot is, a suitable number for hyacinths or narcissi, perhaps another bulb of the smaller sizes. The next point is very important. Place the pots outside in a cool place,, and preferably cover with eight to 10 indies of cinders, which will keep thent cool and dark and prevent dying out. This will ensure the development ofj the all-important root system before" leaf growth commences. In March they must be removed from the cinders and placed right out in the open garden to develop sturdy foliage. Standi them on a board or concrete path. If too sheltered or grown inside, the leaves will become drawn and bulky. When well developed in May they may be taken inside for early flowering. Always giye plenty of light and air when days are mild. Never over-water at any time, and never allow to become absolutely dry. After flowering, place outside in a sheltered place enframe until hardened off. They maythen be tapped out of the pots, and! without disturbance lined out in the open ground. The same bulbs should 1 not be used the next year in pots, a*' there is quite a strain on*a bulb when' grown this way. Freesias, crocus, tritonias, chionadoxas, scillas and others: may also be grown, but even morecare is necessary in watering. A well-grown pot of early-flowering bulbs is a delight to all and a real thrill to the grower. For succeess, he. must act this month.