The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-14
Commercial Garden Fertilizers


 The city gardener must depend on commercial plant food because barn. yard manure is not often obtainable. Just how to use commercial fertil- izers to obtain the best results is | often perplexing to the novice. For plants that mature quickly say within 30 to 40 days. the quan- tity used should be applied before planting, and ought always to be thoroughly worked into the soil. A tablespoonful to foot of drill is a safe quantity.
 For such plants that require more than 50 days to bear, 1t is advisable to apply in addition a side dressing of the same fertilizer or some quick stimulent as nitrate of soda, the ob- ject being to supply the plant suffi- cent food to continue uninterrupted growth until full maturity. Then, too, this practice prevents the washing away of much plant food be- fore the plant can consume 1t. It is always advisable to get competent advice when commercial plant foods become necessary.
 Prompt Cultivation Plants, like children and young ami mals, need their greatest care and attention when young. Any one will agree to this, and yet too often is it the case, when ones enthusiasm gives out after planting a garden and the young plants are left to fight their own battle with weeds. grasses and insects. The most important work that contributes to ultimate success is the effort expended in giving the plant fair chance in life, when it is yet in its youth.
 Work and the proper attention to plants ought not to be looked upon as trouble but a real pleasure No good resolution or purpose is worth a penny unless carried to a definite and satisfactory conclusion. This should be kept in mind when you de- eide to plant anything. Give the garden and flowers a chance, and be assured that if you do your own duty, you will have but little cause to complain of nature or the weather man.
 Preparing Insecticides
 The Age-Herald Is asked nearly every day to furnish formulas for making up insecticides, fungicides. sprays, solutions, etc. Now, there may be some economy to large users In preparing their own mixtures, but the average or small consumers have no business in dabbling with chemicals, and would not know after mixture was completed whether 1t was right or not. The national insecticide law Is very rigid. affording safe protec- tion to the public. and has utterly banished the fakir and extravagant claimer. The remedies you buy now must be true to label; furthermore, they have to be submitted to Wash ington for approval before they may be affixed to any preparation. Such important remedies as Bordeaux mix lures and lime and sulphur are now obtainable in a powdered concentrate form, and with the addition of water, according to direction, are ready for immediate use. The important thing is to read the label as it must, under the law. tell the truth.
 Questions and Answers. Q.-What is Flower of love? Mrs. L.. Ashland.
 A.-A variety of agrostemma, flos- jovis. Other varieties are known as rose of heaven and rose champion. C.-When Is the time to set out the bulbs of tuberous rooted begonia? :? Miss C. w.
 A.-The bulbs are available now and should be set out at once. Q.-Is there a plant called cigar plant? Mrs. O.
 A.-Yes. Cuphea. the variety platycentra is commonly called cigar plant It is perennial, flowers long