The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-17
DEAD TIMBER MENACE
 TO GROWING PLANTS.
McVay Again Calls Attention To Bad Condition Of Birmingham Trees Caused By
 February Storms

four or five feet high, producing clus- ters of blue flowers in August, followed by clusters of violet-colored fruit. Local nurseries can supply.
 Q. 1 am from the north, where no one ever thought of eating field corn in roasting ears. We want sweet corn and would like to be advised what, .vari- cities are best for this climate and when to plant? Mrs. B., Attalla, Ala.
 A. In my experience, the best vari- cites for this section are golden ban tam. Stowells evergreen and country gentlemen. If these be planted on very rich soil that does not easily bake or become hard and cultivated often, req sonable returns may be expected. Plant ing should be deferred until all danger of March to April is considered safe. @. I have my own cabbage plants grown in protected beds and as l have no experience in growing cabbage, would like to ask you question. How large should the plants become before setting out? J., Pelham, Ala.
 A. 1t is best to wait until the stems of the plant just above the roots be- come firm and the plants develop good strong roots. Don't cover your beds at all now unless, of course, it would seem to- be prospects of heavy freeze. Give them full sunlight and if too thick in the beds thin them out. A weak spindling plant is practically worthless.
 Q. l want to put out a few elm shade trees and ask your advice just what variety you would use? C., Fair field, Ala.
 A. There are. two native sorts, found growing in this country, thousands of which are to be found growing in Bir- mingham as side walk or street trees. One species bear much larger leaves than the other, as you probably have noticed, both are splendid and rapid growing. Selection becomes matter of personal preference. As to distance, they should not be set closer than 25 feet and if given greater distance they make much larger and finer trees. Few trees die if properly taken up and set
 Q. What is the best tree to set out in the back yard next to an alley? I want a lombardy poplar. Where should this be set: A. S, West Bloc ton. Ala.
 A.. A good tree to set in the back yard is that species of Chinaberry, known as the umbrella tree or um-
 
 and is practically immune from all in- sects or diseases. You might use a lombardy poplar on the alley, but don't think much of it as side walk or street tree because on account of the nature of its growth, it affords no shade.
 Q. 1 see some varieties of tomatoes advertised as blight proof. Have you any experience with these sorts? O., Verbena, Ala.
 A. Yes, have tried out three of the best known varieties. They were set out in soil known to be infested with eel worms or nematOdes that attack the roots of tomatoes and other plants, causing root knot, wilt and death. While the plants were more resistant to the attack of these pest than some other varieties, planted in the same patch, most of them became infested. wilted and died The fruit borne by these so-called blight proof varieties was much inferior to well known and old established sorts.
 Q. Could 1 plant the wrinkIed or shugar English peas now and what sort do you think would be the best? F., Brighton, Ala.
 A. think it perfectly safe to do so ana While Snarp freeze would XIII them, it is unlikely that we will have such weather. It would not be bad idea to make two plantings. using first some more hardy sort such as Alaska and then follow in two weeks with the Thomas Laxton, which is one of the most desirable of wrinkled or shugar peas.
 c. I want to put in a field of John son grass just as soon as it would be safe. It is to be planted alone. How soon can I do so with safety and how much would you recommend to the acre? A., Carrolton, Ala.
 A. Young plants of Johnson grass are very sensitive to cold, hut should the seed be planted, even this month, they would not likely come up under Il month which would place them be yond danger Planting the last of February. to say March 15. should he considered safe. The quantity of seed necessary to SOW m acre depends all together on the quality of the seed and inasmuch as the seed are naturally of q low germination, only the best of re cleaned seed should be used. 1t is i'm