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Gardening for Amateurs 



Round the Year in the Garden : What to do 

 late in September 



AMONG THE FLOWERS 



SOWING Sweet Peas. This is a 

 very good time to make a sowing 

 of Sweet Peas outdoors. If the 

 trenches were properly prepared earlier 

 in the month it is now only necessary 

 to break down the surface soil with the 

 fork. Draw drills 4 inches deep, and sow 

 the seeds in double rows about 3 inches 

 apart. This thick sowing will allow for 

 losses, which are almost certain to occur ; 

 cover the seeds with about 2 inches of the 

 finest soil. Slugs must be kept off by means 

 of soot and lime when the seedlings appear, 

 or they will quickly work havoc among 

 them. 



Preparing Rose Beds. The earlier beds 

 and borders intended for the reception 

 of Roses are made ready the better, as this 

 allows the soil time to settle properly before 

 planting. Thorough preparation is essential, 

 and this is only accomplished by digging 

 to a depth of at least 2^ feet, and incorporat- 

 ing some well-rotted manure from the farm- 

 yard in the lower 18 inches. It is essential 

 that manure be kept away from the roots 

 when planting, while if put deep the roots 

 find it when most in need of it. We are told 

 that loam of a " greasy " nature is best for 

 the cultivation of Roses, but very few are 

 fortunate enough to possess such a staple ; 

 almost any soil can be brought into a suitable 

 condition by thorough preparation before- 

 hand. 



Thinning Annuals. Do not overlook 

 the necessary thinning of annuals sown for a 

 spring display. Do not thin them now to 

 the same extent as would be done in early 

 summer, as there is more risk of losses 

 during the winter from one cause and another, 

 and it is always possible to look over them 

 again early in spring. 



Propagating Bedding Plants. No time 

 should be lost in securing the required 

 number of cuttings of various plants used 

 for summer bedding. If left after this they 

 become soft and sappy, and greater difficulty 



is experienced in getting them well rooted 

 before winter sets in. Boxes are most suit- 

 able for the accommodation of the cuttings ; 

 they must be filled with very sandy soil. The 

 cuttings may be inserted fairly thickly, as 

 they will be potted off in a few months' 

 time into small pots. 



Pinks. These old favourites are scarcely 

 likely to be ousted by more up-to-date rivals. 

 Pinks may be increased by dividing the old 

 plants now, inserting the portions firmly in 

 light but fairly good soil. 



IN THE GREENHOUSE 

 Potting Cinerarias. Cinerarias quickly 

 become pot-bound if left in small pots for 

 any length of time, but this should be avoided. 

 Repot those that need it at once, using a 

 compost consisting of 2 parts loam to 1 of 

 leaf-mould ; add some sharp grit, and over 

 the crocks place a little manure from an old 

 hot-bed. The size of the pots used depends 

 on whether the plants are to be potted again 

 or not. Specimens suitable for most pur- 

 poses can be grown in 6-inch pots, but if a 

 few extra large plants are required use 5-inch 

 pots now, and later on repot into 7- or 8-inch 

 size. Place the plants in a light position 

 near the glass in the cool greenhouse and 

 water carefully. 



Potting Bulbs. Bulbs intended for 

 conservatory decoration should be obtained 

 and potted now. Good late flowers are not 

 obtained by delaying the potting, but by 

 keeping the plants in a cocl frame subse- 

 quently. Place all the pots of bulbs under 

 ashes, a few boards placed over the top to 

 throw off heavy rain are an advantage. 



Placing Plants Under Cover. Various 

 plants which have been standing out of 

 doors during the summer months should 

 now be taken under cover, for even in the 

 absence of frost the nights are chilly and 

 injury results from excessive damp. This 

 applies to Salvia, Hydrangea, Azalea, Pelar- 

 gonium, etc., and to Chrysanthemums, which 

 are so far advanced as to need shelter. It is 



