Are aaa a

THESE ARE very frustrating times for the average home
gardener. The biological clock says it’s time to get out
there and start planting annuals, but the weather will just

not cooperate.

Many annual bedding-out
plants will tolerate this cold soup
without much problem, but
favorites such as begonias, impa-
tiens, zinnias and more will quick-
ly turn black and wither if planted
out too soon.

Yet neither can we wait too
long; we still need to get them
started as soon as possible.

The faster our plants establish a
root system, the less dependent
they will be for water.

Vegetable gardens face similar
problems but with the added
dilemma of trying to get the most
out of a crop of slow-to-mature
plants such as watermelon, can-
taloupe, tomatoes, peppers, etc.

Many of these plants will not
come into heavy production until
well into September — just when
the threat of cold, wet weather
begins anew.

So how are we to accomplish
two such apparently opposing
goals as early planting and protec-
tion from inclement weather? One
of the most effective methods is
through the use of a lawn and

Geoff
Toblasson

OVER THE GARDEN GATE

garden blanket.

Commonly referred to as
Reemay, these feather-light covers
are made from spun-bound
polyester fabrics. They will allow
the free flow of air, water and
light while retaining the aatural
warmth produced in our soils.

Brass & Glass
White & Hardwood

Large Selection of Styles

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936-1561

As a bonus, they also act as an
extremely effective barrier to pests
such as insects and weed seed.

Reemay covers are so light that
the necessity of wire hoops or
other supportive structures is elim-
inated. The plants themselves have
no trouble supporting their
negligible weight and will grow
quite happily for weeks at a time
under their protection.

While it is important to weigh
down the sides of the covers with
boards, rocks or simply mounds
of earth to prevent them from fly-
ing off ina breeze, remember not
to stretch m too tightly over
your plants. Leave them loose
enough to allow the plants to lift
them as they grow.

For tender annuals, you can
easily lift the blankets to allow
your plants to take advantage of
warm, sunny days and replace
them on cool nights or as the
weather deteriorates.

Within a few short weeks, the
worst weather will be gone and
you will be well ahead of your
neighbors.

Reemay is available at most
garden centres and sold by the
foot, yard or metre from bulk
rolis or as separate covers called
The Germinator.

a photo Tony ‘Peters
THE ROSE-LIKE flowers of the camellia shrub brighten up
any garden.

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