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HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1977-04-14, Page 28J � Page 6 Prevent rodent injury by various means by K.R. Wilson half meter (18"). Mice do not like to cross or feed in open areas as Rabbits and mice are the most this exposes them to their destructive rodents that enemies. homeowners and commerci'al A well-placed tree guard works tree fruit growers face. There are well. This guard should not fit very few shrubs and trees that tightly as tree strangulation are not susceptible to attack by could occur. The guard should be these pests. Bark injury to trees of a ventilated material (such as and shrubs during winter can be fine wire mesh) to maintain devastating. Bark feeding is healthy tree bark. The bottom exercise for their teeth, a sub- should be buried in the soil at the stitute for their diet, and oc- tree base and a small amount of casionally, just entertainment for sharp stones piled around the these pests. guard. Mice will not dig' in this For homeowners, the best way material as it is sharp on their to control rodents is to make the feet and will tumble in on them as yard unfavorable for them. The they excavate. presence of a dog or cat reduces There are rabbit and mouse mouse and rabbit activity. Good repellents on the market. These yard sanitation helps; get rid of work well but may be unsightly if deep grass, debris, and un- applied to ornamental trees. managed trees or shrubs that Baiting with poison or trapping serve as "shelter for these rodents. should -be a last resort. Tf you All trees and shrubs should must use chemical controls, be have the surface trash pulled well certain to read and obey all label back from the trunk, at least one instructions. Plant your fruit trees in mid-May Fruit trees should be set out in home gardens in mid-May. "For the best results, buy quality trees and follow recommended planting procedures," advises Ontario ministry of agriculture and food horticulturist D.M. Sangster. "Because fruit trees need good drainage, avoid planting sites with heavy clay soils that retain water and inhibit new root for- mation," Dig a large hole for each tree to allow plenty of room for root development. Spread a good loam soil around the roots before filling in the hole. After planting, water the tree with one and one- half to two gallons of water. Prune newly planted trees back to assure a good balance between the tops and root systems to stimulate adequate regrowth. Fruit trees do not need fertilizer during the first year. For proper pollination, plant two varieties of apples, pears, sweet cherries, and plums. Peaches, apricots, and sour cherries are self -fertile and require only one variety. For further information on pollination requirements, consult your nurseryman. Most perennials need dividing for renewal After several years in one spot, - perennials may be crowded, producing fewer and smaller flowers and straggly growth. Dividing and replanting these perennials is an excellent way to rejuvenate .them, says D. B. McNeill, horticultural specialist, Ontario ministry of agriculture and food. In .August, the majority of garden perennials are past blooming, and can be divided successfully. Some common examples are: daylilies, phlox, iris, peonies, hosta, poppies, Veronica, bleeding heart, some flowering bulbs and most rockery perennials. Dig up 'the plants carefully to avoid cutting or splitting the roots. Using a sharp knife, cut the roots in several pieces, making sure each piece has several eyes or shoots. Save only the young healthy roots. Older roots may produce weak or disease -prone ..plants. Cut back the foliage to about 3 to 4 inches. After the plants are divided, replant, keeping in mind that each plant has its personal preferences as to soil type, depth of planting, location, etc. Water and fertilize them carefully. Root growth is rapid in late August and early September. This allows the newly planted perennials to establish them- selves before winter. Is back yard shaded? Move garden out front This gardener didn't let the lack of a sunny backyard stop him from growing vegetables. fie converted a sunny corner of his front yard into a food factory. This 10 by 12 ft. space contains 12 tomato plants, 3 zuc- chini, 4 green peppers, 4 eggplants and 3 cucumber plants! The cobble- stone edging keep, the front walk clean and prevents irrigation water from running off. Most vegetables prefer full sun and should not be planted near trees or Targe shrubs where roots will compete for plant nutrients and water. ADDING A ROOM OUTDOORS: With a little imagination, this townhouse's ordinary patio has been turned into an attractive extension of family living space. Figures compiled by the American Association of Nurserymen show that this kind of landscape improvement—a window, at left, was made into a door, a deck was added and walls were surrounded with growing greenery—adds about as much to the value of a home as the improve- :' ments cost. Winter's Over Time to Enjoy the Benefits of Your own Yard. Both in work and in Play bli146101/6178 If you are planning to work on your lawn and garden, you'll need supplies. The best. place to buy those supplies is at M. J. Smith in Port Albert. We buy Top Quality IN LARGEBULK QUANTITIES The reason for that is our big operation. We supply a vast agricultural market in which quality at Targe quantities is necessary. What does this mean for those of you with smaller gardening needs. Simply.... YOU'LL PAY LESS HERE EVEN FOR SMALL PURCHASES OF AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES. M.J. SMITH - SERVING THE FARMER FOR 63 YEARS NOW SERVING THE LAWN & GARDEN ENTHUSIAST TOO! We carry a large supply of... • Lawn Fertilizer • Grass Seeds • Vegetable Seeds (carrots, potatoes, etc.,) • Dutch Sets •.Peat Moss • Insecticides • Fungicides • Alt Your Lawn & Garden Growing Needs ¥ Get into spring and put spring into ypur yard M.J. SMITH (GODERICH) LTD. Port Albert SEED GRAIN BEANS 529-7135 'A ,17 4) .• :rp i