FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 April 1940, Page 8

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

CARE OF POT PLANTS. To those who have little or no garden space, the growing of pot-plants on the verandah provides an interesting and pleasurable hobby. The success of this form of gardening depends entirely on the care given to the plants: I for, naturally; growing as they do in such confined space, they require good attention. For plants that love the sun, choose the sunniest part of the verandah, reserving the shady spots for ferns and other plants that thrive best in shade. Shelter from draughts should be provided, and in frosty districts a blind or screen is necessary to protect the plants at night. Re-potting should be done 'When necessary; the appearance of the plant generally indicates the need for greater freedom, for the roots. If this operation is carefully done, and the roots disturbed as little as possible, the growth of the plant should not be checked.

Pot plants should not be allowed to dry out, but should be watered regularly. If they are very dry, the pots may be immersed ki water until thoroughly soaked. Proper drainage is, of course, essential. This may be composed of pieces of broken pots, charcoal end shell grit. The feeding of pot-plants is necessary if they are to maintain vigorous growth. This may be given in the form of liquid manure once a week, or, if this is considered too messy! fertilisers in tablet form may be given. These are simply pushed into the soil round the plants, and are a concentrated form of combined plant foods, which, dissolved and distributed by watering, promote quick and healthy growth. The leaves of pot plants should be cleansed regularly (dust settling on them is responsible for many failures), and. the pots should be turned round: frequently so that the growth may be even. Keep a strict look-out for disease or insect pests’and remove dead wood or foliage, also weeds, as soon as they make their appearance.