690 



Gardening for Amateurs 



that they may be removed from the ashes 

 immediately growth commences. 



Tuberoses. These are not so widely 

 grown as might be expected considering the 

 fragrance of their pure white blossoms, but 

 they really need a bottom heat of 65. 

 Pot the bulbs in an ordinary compost, and 

 when in growth keep the plants near the 

 glass. 



Freesias. Freesias are growing strongly 

 and are better in the greenhouse now than 

 a cold frame. Keep them in a light position, 

 or they will quickly become " drawn " ; 

 support the growths as becomes necessary. 

 In a temperature of 60 the plants will be 

 in blossom by Christmas. 



Perpetual - flowering Carnations. As 

 damp will spoil the opening buds of these 

 popular winter flowers, do not think to 

 remedy this by keeping the pipes very hot. 

 Bather endeavour to keep the atmosphere 

 dry by careful ventilation. An average 

 temperature of 50 is sufficient for these 

 Carnations. A little disbudding should al- 

 ways be carried out, as it increases the size 

 of the remaining blossoms. 



Vines. Examine the bunches of ripe 

 Grapes frequently for the purpose of cutting 

 out any decaying berries ; if these are left, 

 the whole bunch may be spoilt in a short time. 

 If plants are now being placed in the vinery 

 for the winter they will need all the light 

 available, and the Vines may be half -pruned, 

 as the Grapes are cut, by reducing the 

 laterals to half their length. 



THE FRUIT GARDEN 

 Gathering Fruit. The operations of 

 gathering and storing fruit should receive 

 unremitting attention during this month, 

 so that each variety may be gathered the 

 moment it is ready, as indicated by its stalk 

 parting readily from the tree. Neglect of 

 this precaution may prove disastrous, for 

 the autumn gales play havoc with fruits 

 which are ready for picking. It is not pos- 

 sible to commence the work very early in 

 the day, unless wind dries the fruit ; but do 

 not be tempted to gather while it is wet 

 fruit which has to be stored, more particu- 

 larly the long keeping varieties. 



Root - pruning. This work is generally 

 rendered necessary by reason of hard annual 



pruning, whereby the balance which should 

 exist between the root and branch systems 

 is upset, and the trees cease to be productive. 

 In the case of young trees, however, a fre- 

 quent cause of very strong growth which 

 is unfruitful is planting in too rich a soil, 

 and root-pruning will remedy this. Such 

 trees are best lifted and re-planted, a practice 

 which is generally successful in producing the 

 desired results. In dealing with old trees it 

 is safest to prune one-half the roots one year, 

 and the remainder the following season. 

 Take out a trench 3 feet from the stem of the 

 tree, and fork away the soil until large roots 

 are discovered. These cause the very strong 

 growth which such trees produce, and they 

 must be severed with a sharp knife. The 

 result will be the formation of fibrous roots 

 and short, sturdy growth which ripens 

 annually, and consequently is likely to bear 

 a satisfactory crop. Should the trees be 

 unsupported, stake them securely after such 

 treatment. 



Strawberries for Forcing. If not 

 already plunged in ashes Strawberries well- 

 established in pots for forcing later on should 

 be attended to in this matter at once. The 

 ashes serve to protect both roots and pots 

 during hard frost ; it is necessary to pack 

 the ashes well around the pots. Decayed 

 leaves and runners should be removed, and 

 the plants will need little further attention 

 until taken under glass. 



THE KITCHEN GARDEN 



Lifting Root Crops. The various root 

 crops such as Beetroot, Carrots, Salsify, 

 and Turnips should be taken up now, and 

 stored in a frost-proof shed in sand or ashes. 

 Beetroot should be attended to first, as it is 

 less hardy than the other roots. Parsnips 

 and Jerusalem Artichokes are often left to 

 be dug as required through the winter, but 

 it is always advisable to have a quantity 

 ready lifted in case a spell of severe weather* 

 sets in at any time. Cut the tops from all 

 except Beetroot, they are best twisted. 

 Beetroot needs handling carefully, for if 

 bruised the roots are liable to bleed and 

 become colourless. 



Lettuces. Make a sowing of a hardy 

 variety in a frame, and plant out others as 

 they become large enough, some in frames 



