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Looking forward
When we are doing our fireside gardening round about
Christmas we shall like to have our seedsman's catalogue to study. So if you
have not already got it, send for it on receipt of the Guide. And remember
that he has still got his labour difficulties and that he would appreciate
it if you sent in your order early, not delay ordering until the last moment
just before sowing time, when there is always a hectic rush at seedsmen's
premises. Order you seed potatoes early, too, for transport is far from
being normal.
The seed position looks like being pretty favourable, except that
broad beans are likely to be short. But don't feel aggrieved if you still
can't get all your favourite varieties. You'll know only too well that the
end of the war has not meant the solution of all our problems.
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As to artificial fertilizers—or "mineral" fertilizers, which is
the better term—the situation can be summed up in two words—"no change."
There is likely to be a sufficiency of "National Growmore," the balanced
fertilizer sponsored by the Government, which has been tried by many
gardeners and found quite satisfactory.
Make a new plan for the cropping of your allotment or garden, being
guided by your past experience of what to grow and the quantity of each
kind. |
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What about
some HERBS?
When planning your garden or allotment for next year, bear herbs in
mind. If you already have one or two kinds, try some of the less common, to
give variety of flavour to your vegetables. Herbs are not difficult to grow,
for many are perennial ; once established, they go on growing year after
year. Plants can be raised from seeds ; but as this is rather a slow
business, see if your friends can let you have some cuttings or pieces fro
next spring and early summer. |
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In the meantime get the soil ready
by digging deeply and working in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost.
Once the plants are growing, only surface cultivation will be possible, so
it is worth while making a good job of the digging. It will then only be
necessary to keep weeks in check and the soil aerated by hoeing during the
growing season. It is better to group herbs together in one bed. Mint
prefers partial shade and not too dry a soil ; but most of the others like a
sunny, well-drained soil. |
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