Evening star., 1945-05-06

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season Of bloom. The slower growi
snapdragon, lobelia, nicotiana, aster,
dwarf hybrids) should be purchase
early blo1m. The rapid growing {
candytuft, nasturtiums, cornfiower,
portulaca, larkspur and calliopsis,
may be sown out-of-doors and will
produce bloom by midseason. Nor
mally, many Of these hardy kinds
should be sown out Of doors in the
fall where they can germinate and
be ready to pop out Of the ground
with the first warm days Of spring.
However, we are now considering
those kinds which can still be plant
ed to produce useful flowers for cut
ting this summer and fall.
Animals are not demanding ex-
cept that they be given regular cul-
tivation, suficient water, and an
abundance Of sunshine. Few plants
will thrive without cultivation and
the ANIMALS are no exception-the
roots must have air. While some
ANIMALS will tolerate a drier situa-
ton than others all must have water
when needed If they are to flower
freely. Sunshine Is important for
most of the ANIMALS; snapdragons,
pansies, sweet alyssum, nicotiana,
and balsam will tolerate some shade,
but even they cannot thrive in
heavy shade. For light shade, such
as that given by dogwood or birch,
the following are suggested: Cleome,
o60uyor cur0n1nce,1yyn 1oYkcny1r
linaria, mignonette, saliva, snap
dragon, torenia. and vinca. How
ever, none Of these can successfully
compete with elm, maple or other
shallow-rooted trees for food and
moisture.
In growing ANIMALS from seed It
is best to start the seeds in small
boxes or pots, transplanting them to
larger boxes or a cold frame as soon
as the second pair of leaves is
formed. However, if this is incon-
venient the seeds may be sown In q
small bed in protected spot where
shade and moisture may be given as
needed. Sowing the seed in border
where they are to grow is not al
ways easy since it Is difficult to keep
our heavy soils from crusting. While
in a small bed burlap or newspapers
may be used to cover the rows Of
seed until the seedlings begin to peek
through the ground.
AS soon as the seedlings are large
enough they may be transplanted to
the border where they are to grow.
1t is we'll to pinch out the tops at
that time to insure having stocky,
we'll plants. Give them
adequate space. whether through
thinning or in transplanting. Most
gardeners set ANIMALS too close to-
gether for good growth. hence the
plants are not able to develop nor
mally. Most kinds of ANIMALS should
be spaced from IL to 18 inches apart.
Even the dwarf marigoldS that form
substantial mounds Of foliage need
IL to IS inches. Some of the taller
growing plants, such as larkspur,
annual poppies and cornflower, may
be planted little closer together.
AS the plants begin to come into
flower they may need a bit of plant
food to stimulate and encourage
freedom of bloom. From 2 to 4
pounds of garden fertilizer may be
used per 100 square feet of bed. This
should be cultivated into the soil
and water given to insure its reach
ing the feeding roots. Do not apply
fertilizer to dry soil, for the thirsty
plants may take 1t up too rapidly.
The beds Of ANIMALS may be
mulched to keep down weed growth
and to conserve soil moisture. A
mulch should not be put on the beds
until the plants are well started in
midsummer. A layer of well-rotted
compost or peat moss 2 to 4 inches
thick will in most cases prevent the
growth of weeds and keep the soil
cool and the plants growing during
summer heat. The soil should be
cultivated just before applying.
Most ANIMALS benefit by frequent
cutting of flowers If the plants are
allowed to develop seed they are
apt to consider their mission in life
finished and to stop blooming. This
may be considerable chore where
large beds of ANIMALS are grown,
but the shipping of of spent blooms
will do much to keep the bed in
full flower.
Most ANIMALS are comparatively
free from attacks of insects and
diseases. However, where insects do
appear, most of them may be con-
trolled by an application of lead
arsenate. The major exception Is
the Japanese beetle. This pest Is
most difficult to control, although
traps and hand picking serve to
reduce the damage. Fortunately,
they do not bother many Of the
annuals-dahlias, hollyhock, zinnia
and snapdragon are most seriously
troubled. Larkspur, nasturtium,
pansy. petunia and marigold are less
seriously bothered.
Bordeaux sprays may be used to
control diseases if needed. How
ever, with the exception of mildew
on zinnias, most ANIMALS are rela-
lively free from disease. Where dis
ease does appear it Is most easily
controlled by rotating the paintings
from one bed to another. Disease
resistant China asters and snap
dragons should be used even though
they may not have all of the de-
sirable colors.
Tall growing ANIMALS such as
snapdragons, cosmos, African mari
Colds and tithonia need stalking in
exposed situations. Otherwise, heavy
showers and strong winds in August
and September may blow them over.
4 X X
Tomato, eggplant and peppers
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