Flower Valley Emergency

It is getting late to sow half-hardies outdoors, and possible that an early autumn frost may cut their life short. However, you should get some welcome September bloom when the earlier sown are fading out. Ten-week stocks should not be forgotten, and Convolvulus major always gives a good show.

Don't forget to pinch out the tendrils on the sweet peas to induce the sap into the growing point. If early flowers form they should also be dismissed: flowering must not be allowed until four blooms mature on each stem. It's so easy to ignore this simple instruction and then be disappointed later.

If the ground was well prepared, regular feeding will not be necessary, but the plants must not be allowed to dry out and a drink of liquid manure or soot water followed by a mulch of well-rotted compost will not come amiss.

Manure water is мейд by hanging a small sack of well-rotted manure to soak in a bucket or container of water. It should be left until the liquid becomes straw or tea-coloured.

If there are budding gardeners in the family, a packet of a children's collection of seeds, including the foolproof marigolds, candytuft, cornflowers, radishes, mustard and cress, and carrots, is worth sowing.

Early Chrysanthemums should be planted out this week, remember that they look well, spaced 18 ins. apart, in triangular groups of three. Keep the ground around them hoed, and the soil surface open and free of weeds. The plant should not be allowed more than six blooms if you want size and quality.

It's so easy to forget your indoor flowers at this time of year with the garden beginning to be exciting, and the promise of great things to come, but remembering to do a few things could make all the difference in the chillier months of the year.

House plants will enjoy a blow in the garden, but should be brought in at night. Cuttings of many house plants, among them the tradescantia, aphelandra and ficus, can be taken.

If you want the 'trad' to develop pink-shaded foliage, it must be given a sunny position.

Ian has a great interest in gardening and writes occasional articles. Come and visit his newest website at , and read all about and how it might cure your sleepless nights.