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Page LtT-orn dili your garden., A mach ine has ta be good ta carry the Toro label. In fact, aur garden tiller has a unique package of features that make it your best buy. Rugged gear and V-belt drive for srtiath operation. Single lever "'feather touch" clutch wth farward, neutral and safety reverse. Twao-speed tilling with low speed for sad busting and mulching, high for seed bed preparatian. REASONABLE PRICES - 3 hp -$219.95* 4 hp -$249.95* 5 hp -$259.95* INTERESTED? -Contact your nearest Tara dealer. &MP Mfg. suggested retail price Applicable in Fair Trade states only RUNOLE GARDEN CENTRE, LTD. Garden'Supplies and Power Equipment CHARGEX- ý"We Service what we Seli"- Gîladlohas Culture LOCATION Gladioli thrive best in an open sunny location. Areas near large shrubs or trees should be avoided, not only because of the shade they cast, but also because of their demands on soit moisture and plant food. Low-lying and poorly drained soils, should also be avoided. It is advisable to change the location of the gladiolus garden each year if possible. However, many good grow- ers grow gladioli on the same ground each year; they are able to dIo so only by rigorously discarding dise- ased corms and by following a -fertilizîng program to maintain soit fertility. Some gladiolus diseases are soil- borne, and where disease has been prevalent it is unwise Lo plant on the samne land'two years in succession. ALso, as some cormels will overwin- ter outdoors, it is essential to plant cormels in fresh ground each year to prevent mixîng varieties. To keep losses from disease to a i nimum a system of rotation is advis- able whereby a lapse of about four years is allowed before returning to the same land. SOIL AND FERTILIZERS Gladioli can be grown successfully on a. wide range of soit types provided that the underdrainage is adequate. By thîsis usmeant ani open (.IE IITION - OR<)N4) WErI.Y TIMliS, APRIL subsoil without imipervious layers of hardpan or clay that will imppede t he free dowanward movemfent of water. It does flot matter what type of surface soit you have, or how you treat it - the end result of poor drainage will be poor growth. The structure of the sur- face soit is also-important and can be'improved greatly by the addition of adequare amounts of organic matter. Organic matter adds body to sandy souls, improves the water-holding capacity, -and prevents the leaching of plant nutrients. In diay soit it improves aeration and the general physcial condition. Manure is the main source of organic mnatter, and usual- ly one-haif ton per 1,000 square feet should meet the organic inatter requirements of most souls. Other forms such as decayed leaves and composted garden refuse-can be used with, beneficial resuits. The. additior o nitrogen to these ingredients is necessary to feed the microorganisms in their work of decomposition. The phosphorus levels in many Ontario garden soils are low, and an application of about 20 pounds of superpho- sphate per 1,000 square -feet will meet the basic require- ments. Then as complete, fertîlizers are added annu al- ly, an adequate phosphorus level will be maintained. Clay soils are generally more fertile and have a greater supply of potash than the lighter soils. A fertilizer having an analysis of 5-20-10 cani be applied at the rate of about 15 to 20 poundcs per 1,000 square feet. An extra side dressing of nitrogen such as sulfate of amniionia miay be necessary at the rate of one-haîf pound, or amn mnonium nitrate: at one-quar- ter pound p er 100 feet of row. The above recommendat- iona are of a general nature. Intelligent applications of fertilizer. can be made only when the fertility levels are known. Accordinly, a soif analysis before planting is recommended for commer- cial growers, so that the necessary fertilizers may be used without waste or toxic effects. Grôwers should mark the samples as com- mnercial and indicate the extent of the planting. Sam- ples may be sent to the Department of Soit Science, Ontario Agricultural College, Guelph. Care of Cut Flowers The flowers of many dahlia varieties are excellent for decorative purposes, provid- ed, they are cared for properly. The best time to cut themn is in early rnorning or in the evening. A sharp knife should he, used for cutting and the stems should be long. Generally, the blooms should be cut before they open fully and the stems placed im- mediately in cold water. Short ening the stem by one inch while in water is often recommended to prevent the blooms wilting. They should be kept in a cool place untîl required to use. 1015 KING STREET EAST, OSHAWA, ONTARIO 1Telephone 725-6551