Hand-Book of Garden & Greenhouse Culture in Tasmania (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 Excerpt: ...frost. Chrysanthemums struck from cuttings now will make fine plants, and growers are advised to prepare, at once, for using the whole of the stock required for bedding and other purposes. Ranunculus led: --As soon as the plants begin to push through, the bed should be carefully trodden over between the rows, firmness of the soil being a prime element of success in the general cultivation. If the weather is dry, they may be watered night and morning, and if the soil has not been so liberally manured as it ought, weak manure water may be used. The Eanunculus likes a moist and generous soil, but nevertheless it is a mistaken notion to water it either frequently orcopiously. Artificialwateringnever does as much good as is expected of it, and if it can be dispensed with it will be better for the plant. It is a good plan to mulch the bed with moss or old tan, placing the dressing neatly along the rows; such a procedure will frequently obviate the necessity for watering, and carry the plant through until the rain falls. An awning thrown over beds of bulbs in flower, to protect them from sun and rain, will greatly prolong their beauty. If Pansies have not yet beeu planted they should be at once. Prick out early sown Stocks and Asters. Plant Dahlias and strike cuttings from those started on heat. The planting of box edgings, if not done, should not be delayed longer. Select Rose stocks for summer budding, train them to a single stem and pay particular attention to the removal of all the lower eyes. Thyme edgings will now require clipping, but where bees are kept it will be as well to leave them till the flowers are on the decline. Clip Holly hedges. As soon as the digging is completed see that gravel walks are in good condition; if not, gravel at once that it may be..