The Goderich Signal-Star, 1977-04-14, Page 38Page 6
Prevent rodent injury
by various means
by K.R. Wilson
Rabbits and mice are the most
destructive rodents that
homeowners and commercial
tree 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 winter can be
devastating. Bark feeding is
exercise for their teeth, a sub
stitute for their diet, and oc-
casionally, just entertainment for
thele pests. •
For homeowners,, the belt 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-
half meter (18"). Mice do not like
to cross or feed in open areas as
this exposes them to their
enemies.
A well-placed tree guard works
well. This guard should not fit
tightly as tree strangulation
could occur. The guard should be
of a ventilated material (such as
fine wire mesh) 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 label
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
s'ui;cessfully. 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
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
made into adoor, a deck was added audit
surrounded with growing greenery -
as much to the value of a home as the
ments cost.
Winter's Over
Time to
Enjoy the
Benefits of
Your own Yard.
-Both in work
and in Play
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 LARGE BULK QUANTITIES
The reason for that is our big operation. We supply a vast agricultural market in
which quality at large quantities is necessary. What does this mean for those of you
with smaller gardening needs,' Simply....
This gardener didn't let the lack of a sunny backyard stop him from
growing vegetables. He 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 keeps 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.
YOU'LL PAY LESSHERE
EVEN FOR SMALL PURCHASES OF AGRICULTURAL SUPPLIES,
W.I. 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
• All Your Lawn & Garden Growing Needs
¥ Get into spring and put spring into your yard 4'
M.J. SMITH (GODERicII) LTD.
SEED' GRAIN BEANS
Port Albert
8