T020 



Gardening for Amateurs 



alternative is to sow on a seed-bed in the 

 open during the summer to obtain plants for 

 bloom the following season. Lovely varie- 

 ties, both single and double, are now to be 

 obtained. 



Gloxinia. These attractive greenhouse 

 plants are readily raised from seed in large 

 numbers and great variety, provided a tem- 

 perature of 65 degrees can be relied on. 

 Cover the seed very lightly, and keep dark 

 and close until germination takes place. It 

 is worth while obtaining a reliable strain of 

 seed, as inferior plants need the same amount 

 of attention for poor results. Petunias, 

 Gesneras, etc., may be raised in the same 

 way at the present time. 



Verbena. Although propagated largely 

 by means of cuttings, Verbenas can be 

 flowered the same season as seeds are sown 

 if this is carried out early in the year in 

 a temperature of about 60 degrees. The 

 above remarks are equally applicable to 

 Lobelia. 



Strawberries in Pots. These need to 

 be brought on very gradually, therefore the 

 plants should be placed on a shelf near the 

 glass now ; a temperature of 50 degrees will 

 do for the present. Watering must never be 

 neglected, although naturally less will be 

 needed at the present time than later on. 

 Three good varieties for forcing in succession 

 are Vicomtesse de Thury, Royal Sovereign 

 and Sir Joseph Paxton. 



THE FRUIT GARDEN 



Digging Fruit Quarters. Pruning com- 

 pleted, it is evident that something must be 

 done towards digging up the trampled soil 

 around trees and bushes. If possible old 

 manure, decayed garden rubbish, or wood 

 ashes (which is excellent for all fruit trees) 

 should be spread over the soil first. All 

 stone fruits ought to receive dressings of 

 lime rubbish every few years. Use a fork in 

 preference to a spade to avoid damaging the 

 roots, and in any case keep a reasonable 

 distance from the stems. It is not advisable 

 to turn the soil up deeply and rough, as 

 this is simply admitting frost right upon 

 the roots. 



Raspberries, etc. If these are grown in 

 clumps the stakes used as supports will need 

 examination annually if they are wooden, as 



is usually the case. Any that are ecayed, 

 as well as of doubtful strength, should be 

 removed and replaced by others. Logan- 

 berries are best trained to stout wires, as they 

 are of more vigorous growth, and need strong 

 and durable supports. If wires are used they 

 often become slack during the year, and if 

 this happens have them strained up tightly, 

 commencing with the top wire. Clear all 

 weeds from the plantations and hoe the 

 ground over ; it is almost impossible to use 

 any other tool without damaging the roots. 



Birds and Gooseberries. In a severe 

 winter birds attack Gooseberry and Red Cur- 

 rant buds in a determined manner, and if 

 something is not done to check their depre- 

 dations there is every likelihood of the crops 

 being light as a result. Even when the fruit 

 area is enclosed the trouble is not overcome 

 unless the wire netting is of very small mesh, 

 as the damage is done by small birds, such 

 as tits and finches. Many growers defer 

 the pruning of Gooseberries until the buds 

 are swelling, and some tie the branches 

 closely together in bundles. Soot and lime 

 dusted over the bushes when they are damp 

 are of some value as a check, but need to be 

 repeated at intervals. 



The Fruit Store. All fruits in store need 

 frequent examination, especially if packed 

 rather closely. Some are sure to decay, and 

 if they are not promptly removed others 

 quickly become tainted. There can be no 

 doubt that a single layer or at the most a 

 double layer is best when storing Apples, etc., 

 but unfortunately want of space often renders 

 this out of the question ; but as more room 

 becomes available those packed several layers 

 deep should be spread out, taking care to 

 handle them gently to prevent bruising. 



THE KITCHEN GARDEN 

 Broad Beans. Broad Beans are not often 

 sown in boxes by amateur gardeners, but 

 the practice certainly pays, and they are out 

 of the way before room is much in demand 

 under glass for other sowings. Seeds may 

 be sown now both in this way and outdoors, 

 choosing one of the Longpod varieties for the 

 purpose. Sow in double rows outside, the 

 Beans being placed 9 inches apart. Well- 

 prepared soil is necessary to grow good crops 

 of Broad Beans. 



