lo May, 1912.] Orchard and Garden Notes. 327 



drainage. The fertility of the soil depends so much on its ability to 

 free itself of all surplus and unnecessary water, by being in a good 

 mechanical condition. 



This is of far greater importance than increasing the value of the 

 soil by the addition of organic manures. The latter is by no means to 

 be despised, but a correct condition, with good drainage is the first 

 necessity. 



The new beds should be well trenched into the clay, or the subsoil. 

 It is not advocated that the trenching shaU be excessively deep. Much 

 labour has been lost in the past by deep trenching, and no very definite 

 results have been produced. 



The subsoil surface should be trenched so that the soil moisture may 

 soak into it, and so that the plant roots may be able to penetrate into the 

 subsoil. Then the surface soil and loam should be thoroughly cultivated 

 and broken up. These remarks apply especially to the preparation of 

 rose beds. If new ground is being broken up, the addition of from 

 4 to 5 cwt. of lime will be a distinct advantage. The lime should be 

 well worked into the soil. The addition of stable manures to the soil 

 may now be carried out. Too heavy dressings are not advised, as an 

 accumulation of manure in the soil is likely to set up sour and unhealthy 

 conditions. The manure should be thoroughly mixed with the soil. 



It is not too late to sow sweet pea seeds, but the best results come 

 from early planting. The planting of these seeds .should not be delayed. 

 Sweet pea results are generally poor if the plants are over-crowded. The 

 individual plants should be given ample room, planting the seeds at least 

 an inch apart. The training of the young plant is also an important 

 matter. It .should not be allowed to trail or to lie on the ground. As 

 soon as the tendrils appear on the young plants, they should be given 

 support so that they may be encouraged in the climbing habit at once. A 

 good sap flow is necessary to good growth, and the stem of the plant 

 should be trained as upright as possible to allow of this. Stable manure 

 is one of the most useful of plant foods for' sweet peas ; but if a chemical 

 manure is needed, sulphate of potash in very small quantities may be 

 used. It must be understood that this manure is used to produce good 

 and free growth in the plant itself. If this be obtained, good flowers 

 will naturally follow. 



Several inquiries ha\e been received regarding the condition of the 

 sweet pea .seeds. Some of the varieties produce very inferior looking, 

 spotted and wrinkled seeds. These are not to be discarded, as they will 

 produce good and free flowering plants. 



At the end of the month a start may be made with the autumn digging, 

 pruning, and clearing up. Manure may be dug into the beds, well below 

 the surface. All leaves and light litter should also be dug in. If neces- 

 sary, a light top-dressing of lime may be given after the digging has been 

 completed. 



As much garden litter as can be saved should be rotted down for 

 future use ; the rough litter and strong stems should be burned and the 

 ashes returned to the soil. 



Flowering shrubs should be pruned only after the flowering season foi 

 each plant has passed. 



Vegetable Garden. 



The remarks in the Flower Garden notes referring to preparation of 

 new beds also apply to the kitchen section ; this being the time for good 

 soil work. Only, where deep rooting vegetables are to be grown, such 

 as carrots, and turnips, tlie soil and subsoil should be deeply worked so 

 as to allow a ready root run for these vegetables. 



