Clinton News-Record, 1976-04-15, Page 40rOdellit iujuLry
variOus means
Rabbits and mice are the most
destructive rodents that
homeowners and commercial
t fruit growers face. There are
very few shrubs and trees that
are not susceptible to attack by
these pests, Bark injury to trees
and shrubs during whiter can be
devastating. Dark feeding is
exercise for their teeth,fa sub-
stitute forr, their diet, and oc-
chsionally. just entertainment for
these pests.
For homeowners, the best way
to control rodents is to make the
yard unfavorable for them. The
presence of a dog or cat reduces
mouse and rabbit activity. Good
yard sanitation helps; get rid of
deep grass. debris, and un-
managed trees or shrubs that
serve as shelter for these rodents.
All trees and shrubs should
have the surface trash pulled well
back from the trunk. at least one -
b if meter (16"). Mice do not iihe
to crows or feed in open areas as
this expose* them to their
enemies:
A well-placed tree guard works
well. This. iuer4 should not fit
tightly as tree strangulation
could occur, Theguard should be
of a ventilated materiae (such as
fine„ •wire WSW to maintain
healthy tree bark. The bottom
should be buried in the soil at the
tree base and a small amount of
sharp stones piled around the
guard. Mice will not dig in this
material as it is sharp on their
feet and will tumble in on them as
they excavate.
There are rabbit and mouse
repellents on the market. These
work well but may be unsightly if
applied to ornamental trees.
Baiting with poison or trapping
should be a last resort. If you
must use chemical controls, be
certain to read and obey all lab -et
instructions. Aanctation of'Nurserymen points o is ilttl lot FRES* 1) DELICIOUS. A It it takes to have fresh
and aus foods at yottr doorstep, the American
out,
Plant your frult trees
in mid-May
Fruit trees should be set out in
home gardens in mid-May.
"For the -best results, bily
quality trees and follow
recommended planting
procedures," advises Ontario
ministry of agridulture 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 -
a e p o of
ground, the plantings or seeds for the fruits and
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 p •
erennial
dividirg f or renewal
After several years in one spot,
erennials 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
N
avoid cutting or splitting the
roots. Using a sharp knife, cut the
roots in severalpieces, 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 tate
August and early September.
This allows the newly planted
perennials to establish them-
selves before winter.
vegetables you like, and a bit of outdoor recreation. If
it's your first gardening season, help and advice is
available through your garden center or mallorder
nurseryman.
Once upon a time, about the: middle of this winter, it was appropriate to stay indoors. And
indoors is where your family's work and play was done. But now it's time to get out in the
yard. Out in the sunshine and the fresh air. Now is the time for lawn and gardening, for work
and play outdoors.
To work on your lawn and garden this spring you'll need supplies. The best place to
buy Mose supplies is at M. J. Smith. We buy in large bulk quantities and supply a vast
agricultural market. This means at M. J. Smith you can buy the same name products
sold elsewhere in better qualities and at much lower prices.
Remember — we're in business to make things grow.
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Silver Medal Winner
1975 All -America Selections
M.J. SMITH - SERVING THE FARMER FOR 62 YEARS
NOW SERVING
THE LAWN & GARDEN ENTHUSIAST TOO!
We carry a large supply of...
• Lawn Fertilizer • Grass Seeds
• Vegetable Seeds tcarrots, potatoes. etc..)
• Dutch Sets • Peat Moss i Insecticides • Fungicides
• All Your Lawn St Garden Growing Needs
Get into spring and put spring into your yard ¥
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SEED GRAIN . BEANS
Fart Albert 529 .713 5