HORTICULTURAL NOTES

Otago Witness, Issue 2894, 25 August 1909, Page 10

HORTICULTURAL NOTES

By J. Gebbib.

TOMATOES- IN THE OPEN. The culture- of tomatoes in the open Is attempted annually by numerous growers, and their efforts are generally crowned with more or less success The weather, the condition of the plants when put out, and the varieties are three important points to be observed on which the orop of fruit will depend. There are other details which must not be neglected, but those enumerated are of first importance. The seeds may be sown now, and are- best sown in shallow boxes, with holes bored in the bottom for drainage. Fill these boxes with fine sandy 6oil, press moderately firm, and make level. Sow the seedfe thinkly, about lin apart, so as to from the fiTst secure a strong, sturdy growth. Thickly-sown seeds quickly ruin each other when grown, into plants. Sown thinly and covered lightly with fine soil, the young plants may remain in the 6eed boxes till about 2in high, when they may be transferred into 3in pots, and as these become filltd with roots they may be potted on and kept near the glass, giving plenty of air so as to ensure a 6turdy, 6hort-joimted growth with robust foliage. If the plants are in bloom with a few green fruits showing at planting-out time so much the better. Planting-out cannot be done with absolute safety before the middle of November, but previous to this the plants should have been fully exposed during the day-time for at least three weeks. A number oi amateurs fail in tomato growing by planting them in soil which is too rich, with the result that foliage is produced at the expense of fruits. The soil • for tomatoes should have been well manured for previous crop, thea deep digging will be all the preparation needed. Where such is not available a moderate dressing of decayed manure may be dug in. The warmest site available in the garden should be chosen, well sheltered from the prevailing- winds, and where the plants will get all the sun-shine possible. Place the plants about 2ft asunder in the rows, but the rows 4ft apart. The coil should bo made moderately firm around the roots. Water should be frequently applied during "dry weather when growth is acti\e. Stak-T6 <- ho u ld be placed directly they are put out, t-o that the plants may 'be tied up as growth proceeds. .After-tieatrnent will consist of keeping down w-Peds, and, mc->t important of all, the pinchins-out of all -i<l<? .-hoots as quickly as "they appeal keeping the plant to one bteni. During tho diy weather a mulching of «liort. thorouplsly rott-c-d manure over xh^ root* will be of great benefit to the r-lanis. When several dusters of fruit have set and are commencing to sweli, a wait-ering onco in ten days with loz of superphosphate- and of nitrate of potash dissolved in two gallons oi water will assist in swelling and colouring the fruite. When five or six bunches of fruit have set is is advisable to pinch out the tcp of the plant, and late in the season tho=o leaves which hang directly- in front of the fruits may also be taken away. Removing all the foliage, as is frequently done, is a barbarous practice, and should not be attempted. DOUBLE PRIMROSES. These favourites have, according to some authorities, been cultivated in England for close on two centuries. The position in the garden which they ought to occupy is one slightly shaded and somewhat moist. Being weaker in growth than th" sin;r!o forme, they require a little moro attention Where it jr de*ircd to increase the stock, the> may

be . divided as soon as the flowering . is over, breaking the clumps into single crowns with roots attached. A little care will be necessary for a short time in shading and watering. If no more plants are needed they may be left undisturbed for several years, as spring or autumn lifting annually does not suit them. TSie sorts in cultivation are named according to the colour of the flower, as double white, double yellow, double mauve, and double crimson. The lastnamed ie a difficult one to cultivate, and although it has been grown in Otago for over 40 years it is still a scarce variety, and I notice it catalogued at Is 6d each. The others are good growers, and a stock is raised without much trouble. PLANTING SPRING FLOWERS. Many amateurs fail to make the best of their means by buying too late. They wait until the violets, paneies, primroses, and others axe in bloom before purchasing, and then by the time tihey are established the season of flowering is over. To obtain a show of spring flowers all the plants and bulbs should be planted during autumn, then they will get a good hold of the soil and will flower abundantly.