SUMMER FEEDING 155 



over 2-3 square yards or more of soil. It is well to begin 

 with a little and give more as the weeks go on. 



A question of importance is when to begin to apply. 

 In any case do not begin until some flower buds show, 

 and with " specimen " plants of hardy annuals it is 

 specially important to get them thoroughly strong and 

 established first. Begin by feeding once a week, and 

 increase it to three times a week, but not oftener than 

 that. The feeding of perennials is rather easier. It can 

 be started as soon as the first bud or spike appears, for 

 most of the perennials described in Chapter VII are of 

 strong constitutions, and not so easily injured by the 

 application of food. Generally speaking, June is the 

 month to begin with perennials, and July with annuals ; 

 in each case the feeding once commenced can be con- 

 tinued right through the summer months. 



Such early-flowering perennials as Lupins, Pyrethrums, 

 and Doronicums, which are in flower in May, may be fed 

 then, and if the feed is increased in strength after the 

 flowers are over, and the dead spikes or blooms removed, 

 a second crop of bloom will often be given about a month 

 or so later. The same thing applies to a less extent with 

 early-flowering annuals. 



With late blooming annuals such as Sunflowers, Statice 

 sinuata, and Lavatera, July is too soon to start feeding. 

 These rarely show flower before August, so feeding should 

 not be commenced till the first week of that month. 



Canterbury Bells and other biennials may be fed while 

 in flower, but it is usual not to commence feeding till they 

 have been cut down after their first flowering period. A 

 second crop is then given later on. The same applies to 

 the well-known hardy perennial Anchusa, and to the early- 

 flowering dwarfer Delphiniums. 



The best period of the day to give the liquid foods is a 

 matter of opinion, but it is inadvisable to do so during 

 hot sunshine. 



Excellent results may be obtained by watering with 

 clear water one night, and feeding the next morning 



