15 DECEMBER 1944, Page 14

In My Garden The need of aeration for the roots

of plants big or small is being stressed by some authorities in very different departments of the garden. Ashes, for example, which of course are not in themselves suppliers of food, have been found valuable in rock gardening because they let in the air. Again, the use of burnt earth is strongly advised in the planting of fruit trees, and its value depends chiefly on its mechanical qualities. The relic of the garden bonfire is valuable in the first place for its potash. This almost disappears if the heap is wetted, but the ash it still of advantage to the soil, especially if it is heavy.

W. BEACH THOMAS.

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