FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1940, Page 8

FOR THE WOMAN GARDENER

SOME USEFUL HINTS. There are many quick-growing, brightly coloured annuals, seeds of which can be sown where they are to grow. By this method a garden with plenty of space can be filled with little trouble, and a gay display assured for the spring. Prepare the beds by incorporating some well-decayed manure well below the surface and covering over with soil. Scatter the seeds rather- thickly and cover thinly with fine soil. Very fine seeds need only be pressed firmly into the soil without any covering. Thin out the seedlings when they are large enough, taking care to water the remaining plants so as to let the soil settle■ round the roots. The seedlings taken out will fill other empty beds. The following annuals will suit the purpose admirably: Alyssum, calliopsis (coreopsis), candytuft, clarkia, cornflower, dianthus, godetia, larkspur, linum (flax), linaria, mignonette, nasturtium, nemophila, phlox drummondii. The first year’s flowers of stocks are usually the best. If, however, the plants are cut back after each flowering period, they wMI bloom again for several successive seasons. Stocks should never be planted in badlydrained soil, as they resent wet conditions.

Many people imagine that a lavish use of fertiliser will enable them to dispense with the cultivation of the soil. This is a mistake, for, although fertilisers used wisely prove beneficial, nothing ensures successful gardening better than good, old-fashioned digging, trenching, and hoeing. Continual cultivation allows the free passage of air and moisture, two essentials as necessary to plant life as to human beings. When shaping straight or curved edges for lawns or beds use the garden hose as a guide. It is easier to manipulate than a line with pegs.' Summer gardens are made in winter, so begin to prepare beds riow for summer flowers, such as asters, petunias, phlox, portulaca, salvia, scabious, verbena, and zinnias.