THE GARDEN.

Shannon News, 20 January 1925, Page 4

THE GARDEN.

Recent raint have largely simplified the operation of planting out (Cauliflower, broccoli, and all varieties of winter cabbage, Brussels sprouts ana kale. The soil should be in excellent condition and no time should be lost in filling up all available space with valuable winter and early spring vegetables. Cauliflowers are perhaps most prized of our winter vegetables, and often great difficulty is experienced by the amateur gardener in growing them to perfection. At this time of the year varieties such as Veitch’s autumn giant, and giant_*Malta, are the best to plant. Varieties that will head, in from four to six months ard useless at this period, as they are always attacked with the fly and green caterpiller nuisance, that usually plays such havoc with the plants. The latervarieties that head from eight to ten months have sufficient time to recuperate during the colder months. As regards the culture of the cauliflower which, of course, also applies to the broccoli, do not attempt to grow them on poor soil. The plants must have a rich, well drained plot, and the best results are always obtained by using a plot that has not grown any of the cabbage or cauliflower family for a considerable time.

Set the plants in rows three feet apart, making large holes, so as to ensure the plants being below the surface surroundings. Plant firmly and allow a tablespoon of blood and bone fertiliser for each plant, taking care to mix thoroughly with the soil, also use a little more at suitable periods, in the form of a top dressing, filling in a little soil at each operation, this may [ be carried out until the plants almost | meet between the rows. This method is the easiest for the small gardener, and proves very successful. When the fly attacks the plants, spray weekly, with tobacco water, or a little tobacco dust, lightly sprinkled on will answer the purpose, if mor e convenient Tobacco leaves, or in the dust form, may be obtained at a cheap rate from most seedsmen, and last, but not least do not let the plants get dry, keep them growing without a check and large white heads will result, the unchecked growth also assisting to keep blights in abeyance. Give tomato plants a weekly spraying of Bordeaux mixture. A sowing of carrot seed may also be made, and will prove a valuable winter store, they are much easier to grow at the present time as the slug and small bird nuisance has somewhat abated. Sow lettuce in partial shade if possible, and do not transplant.

The Mower Garden. There is not a great deal of work to be done at this period beyond keeping down weeds. The annuals have made rapid growth on all well drained sites during

the wet spell, and weeds are more plentiful than is usyal at thi s time, which has made it necessary to re. move from the borders instgg,d of the easier method of letting them wilt in the sun. However, with more settled weather the push hoe may be again used with great advantage. The showiest and most striking things in th e garden, at the present time are the beds and clumps of cannas and gladioli. Cannas with their rich warm colourings are glorious and most effective especially the dark leaved varieties. As a bedding plant they excel* and it is rather to be wondered at that they are not more extensively cultivated as they certainly combine effectiveness vivid colourings and a long blooming period. The improved giant strain of gladioli are delightful, with their handsome spikes of lovely new art shades that prove wonderfully attractive. A long blooming period is

maintained if they have been planted at intervals. It may not be generally known that they are quite easily raised from seed, blooming the second year. Chrysanthemums. Pinch out the tops of the chrysanthemum plants if not already done (unless you have some late ‘planted ohes which would not be sufficiently advanced in height.) As soon as the side shoots form, select three of the strongest to train, all others must be removed to allow the plant to concentrate its whole energy in the' sterna retained (this applies to the exhibition bloom.) For ordinary garden display many prefer to let them grow naturally ,personally I like to leave all the branches, thinning to one bud on each branch, thereby obtaining good decorative blooms. Supplies of Flowers for Market. As regards supplies of flowers for market purposes, quantities oi anemone, ranunculus, and Iceland poppy seed should be sown now. The plants obtained from these sowings will bloom in early spring. Order your root supplies of anemones and ranunculus and early narcissi bulbs to avoid possible disappointment later. Choose a sunny sheltered position for a sowing of winter blooming sweet peas, they must be sown where the frost does not penetrate, if they are to bloom early. Prepare all beds intended for early narcissi, freesias, anemone and violets, the latter could be safely transplanted now if care is taken to keep- them watered, but plant nothing but the earliest blooming varieties. Early irises will also prove a valuable addition as they may be safely packed in the bud stage. If your garden is well sheltered from cold winds, admitting plenty of sunshine, the growing of early spring flowers will prove very profitable, also affording a broader field of interest, coupled with endless opportunities for ability and skill, which only come by experience. Gardening as a hobby, and gardening as a profession are widely different things. The one presupposes a taste only, the other demands vocation, together with an unlimited capacity for work, and a healthy disregard of comfortable conditions.