The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-20

ing strawberry plants until some
time this fall. They, of course, would
not bear planted this late and there
is reason to believe that next fall
planting would prove more satisfac-
tory.
G. Could one now root English
Ivy? We have considerable of this,
but would like few more plants
l.. T., Albany. Ala.
A We think it possible to root
English Ivy even this late, small cut
tings should be used. not over four to
six inches long. They should take
root inside of ten days to two weeks.
and if they make catch, they will
produce good size plants this season.
q. Do you think we could now put
out California privet with safety
IL. H.. Decatur, Ala
A. California privet being very
hardy plant, may be put out any
time, of course, the plants ought to
be cut back severely, and they should
be defoliated, that is to say, any TO-
liage should be removed from the
plants set back. They would be al
most certain to live, providing they
had a good root system and it would
only be short time when they come
into full foliage.
Q. There is little black insect
that gets on my dahlias and it seems
that the same insect bothers our mas
turtiums. Could you tell us what to
do with this?-G. L., Florence Ala.
A. 1t Is doubtless the same insect
that bothers both plants. This small
bug Is known as the black Aphis. or
black louise, and is very destructive.
1t is not hard to control ii prompt
measures are taken. strong soapy
water. IL sprayed on the plant. Is eff
fective when the infestation Is not
bad, but If teaspoonful of Moo
tine is added to each gallon of soapy
water. and tho plant sprayed SO as
to reach the under side, the insect is
readily destroyed. There are sew
eral poisonous dusts that are also
effective, providing they are put on
powders are sold under the name of
Nicotine Dust and 40 Dust" both
of which are very effective.
Q. How much paris green should
be used to fifty gallons of water in
spraying potato fields for potato bugs,
of lead. We have the paris green
on hand and would like to use 1t, but
last season our vines were burned
through It's USER. NJ, Cullman. Ala.
A. Paris green is very effective
against potato bugs. but Its arsenic
sOluDlllty some times causes IL 10 IN
jure foliage, but this can be avoided
by mixing lime in your solution. In
making up a 50gallon barrel. 1t
would be a good idea to mix in about
a bucket full of hydrated or air
slaked lime, and after rendering water
aklali, stir in your PParis Green and
go ahead and apply. The lime will
prevent the paris green from burn
ing the foliage or plant.
@. If you were planting potatoes
for the Birmingham market what
variety would you use?-G. L., Ems
ley, Ala.
A. The Birmingham mark ct requires
yellow potato and we know of no
better variety than the Porto Rico
to plant. Plants are available. and
not expensive
@. would like to grow rutabag gas
for the Birmingham market and have
had some little success in the past.
but what 1 want to know is the
proper time to plant these in this
section-D. A., Tuscaloosa. Ala.
A. The proper time to plant ruta-
bagas in this section Is undoubtedly
in June, when 1t is possible to get
the seed up and growing. The plant
is a slow grower. and II you walt
later than June, 1t Is difficult to get
the seed up and healthy growing
plant started. Late planting OF ruta-
baga Is generally the cause of most
failures.
@. Hoy many bunch beans are re-
quired to plant one-half acre?-O. E.,
Selma, Ala.
A. The quantity necessary would
depend on the method of planting. If
rows are made three feet apart, wide
enough to admit of horse cultivation,
enc half bushel should be sufficient
Of course much would depend on
how thick they are drilled, but regu-
vide one bushel to the acre. The va
riety depends a good bit on personal
preference or the market to be
served, and this should be investi-
gated before paintings are made.
@. How long does it take radish
to mature for market after planting!
N L., Alexander City.
A. The variety is the determining
factor in maturity. The early mar
ket sorts. such as the turnip va
rieties. and even some of the long
sorts, will become large enough for
market inside of 80 days, providing.
of course, the ground be fertile and
the plants properly worked.
@. We have tried to grow Ice let
tuce for the market but we do not
seem to get the right seed. Our plants
do not make as large heads as what
is shipped in here from abroad, ana
there appears to be a brown tinge on
the leaves. Gan you Ten 10 "ii'S '
riety we should use to produce
similar plant that is shipped into Biz
mingham ?-B. O., r. F. D. No. 9.
A. There are two different types Of
ice lettuce, and the one you need is
the larger type, sold under various
names, such as Los Angeles, New
York head and Brittle Crisp. This
large type does not show any color
on its leaf 1t is a large brittle, crisp
TYNE. all of it's foliage being good
from the outer leaves to the center of
head.
does it require to set out an acre =
S. s., Wylam, Ala.
A. This would depend, Of course. on
the distance of the rows and the dis
lance in which the plants are set,
For example, should your rows be 3ia
feet apart, and the plants about 10 10
is inches in drill, you would require
in the neighborhood of 10000 plants
n the acre, and about this quantity
nav be set out as sufficient for an
acre.
O. Is it best to cut grass from
newly sown lawns as soon as 1t gets
high enough or should 1t be allowed
to remain the first season without
cutting Mrs. S.
A. Any yard grass ought to be cut
&C often as it is high enough, re-
gardless of its age. Such cuttings
induces the stooling out of the grass
causing a mating or thicker staho,
which is verwy beneficial to the lawn.
II is mistake that many people
make in allowing their grass to be-
come long and struggling.
HOUSEWIVES SCRAPBOOK
A good polish for mahogany furni-
+ure is made by mixing one pint