Gardening for Amateurs 



795 



such rods the leaves are now falling. If red 

 spider or mealy bug has been in evidence 

 during the summer, it will prevent the 

 spread of trouble if the fallen leaves are 

 gathered up and burnt every day. 



Climbers. If climbing plants in the 

 greenhouse are so situated. that they obstruct 

 the light to the detriment of plants growing 

 in pots, it is advisable to thin out the shoots 

 to remedy this. Such thinning must not be 

 overdone, however, as this is not the correct 

 time for the chief pruning of these climbers. 



Chimney Campanula. This is a favour- 

 ite for flowering in pots, and where the com- 

 mendable practice of planting out for the 

 summer is followed the plants may now be 

 lifted and potted. It is essential to lift 

 carefully so as to have a good ball of soil 

 adhering to the roots, and the size of pots 

 used must be governed by the extent of 

 this. Keep the plants in a cold frame for 

 the winter, giving water as required. 



THE FRUIT GARDEN 

 Planting Fruit Trees. Now is the time 

 to undertake the work of planting, although 

 it is frequently carried out during open 

 weather through the winter and until 

 March. But the advantages of autumn 

 planting are now generally well understood, 

 besides which, where the trees have to be 

 purchased from a nursery, those first in the 

 field get the best choice. Do not plant 

 when the soil is unfit to work, as trees 

 arriving during such times will take no 

 harm if they are " heeled " in by the roots 

 in a corner, to await the arrival of more 

 propitious weather conditions. 



Standard Apples. These are usually 

 planted in orchards, but sometimes in the 

 garden also. They should never be placed 

 closer than 20 feet one from another, and 

 many varieties need a good deal more room 

 than this. Strong stakes must be placed to 

 them before the roots are covered, thus 

 avoiding possible damage. Standard Plums 

 may be planted rather closer. 



Pyramids and Bushes. Apples in this 

 form should be planted from 10 to 12 feet 

 apart, Pears the same, unless grafted on the 

 Quince, when a couple of feet less may be 

 allowed. Plums and Cherries will do well at 

 10 feet each way. Pyramids will be best 



staked, but bushes, unless very large, will 

 not need it. 



Espaliers. This is a favourite form of 

 tree for planting alongside garden walks, as 

 they occupy little space. Both Apples and 

 Pears are grown as horizontally trained 

 espaliers, and usually with excellent results 

 provided due attention is given. The trees 

 need a good deal of staking and tying to 

 keep them shapely. A reasonable distance 

 to plant is 15 feet from centre to centre. 



Points to Remember. Sites for planting 

 should, if possible, always be prepared some 

 time in advance, so that the soil has time to 

 settle. In taking out the holes allow suffi- 

 cient room for the roots to be spread out 

 properly ; the jagged ends ought to be 

 trimmed with a sharp knife. Keep some 

 of the finest soil to place among the fibrous 

 roots, and keep them at their respective 

 levels. Plant at the same depth as the 

 trees were previously or slightly deeper, 

 and tread the soil firmly around the roots. 

 In securing the trees to their supports, 

 place some material between the string and 

 the stems, to prevent injury to the bark, 

 and see that they are tied firmly. 



THE KITCHEN GARDEN 

 Globe Artichokes. In most districts 

 these must be afforded a certain amount of 

 protection during winter. The old stems 

 should now be cut down, and any weeds 

 be removed before applying protective 

 material. This may consist of almost any 

 light litter, such as straw, bracken, or dry 

 tree-leaves. Whatever is used, pack it 

 around the crowns well, but be careful not 

 to cover the centres of the plants entirely. 

 Seakale. Where facilities exist for the 

 forcing of Seakale under glass or in any posi- 

 tion where heat can be maintained, roots 

 may be lifted now for the purpose. Trim 

 off the smaller roots and cut them into 6-inch 

 lengths. Stored in boxes of soil through the 

 winter, these will be suitable for planting in 

 spring. Although Seakale is easy to force, at 

 this early date the produce will not compare 

 with that obtained in a month's time. 

 Gentle warmth is always to be preferred 

 to excessive heat. 



Broad Beans. Many cultivators have 

 great faith in sowing Broad Beans now, 



