As a general rule it is fairly safe to mulch light soils from the first week in July onwards, delaying a little if June has not lived up to its reputation. On heavier soils it is best to delay mulching until the end of July or the beginning of August.

Disbudding is just one more of the processes used by the keen grower to reduce the number of blooms carried by any one plant at a specific time. By so doing the competition for the available nutriments is lessened, with the result that the blooms actually allowed to develop have greater strength and vitality.

If possible the whole plot should be covered several inches deep. It may not be possible to do this if only compost or manure is used, but a bale or two of straw or bracken can be used to eke out the more valuable material to give the required depth.

The advantage of disbudding is clear. For garden decoration, or as cut flowers for the house, the blooms, although somewhat reduced in numbers, will look more effective and be of better formation on longer stems, holding themselves well above the foliage to receive the admiration which is their rightful due. For the exhibitor it is an essential part of his or her routine culture.

This lack is quickly made up on the death of the bacteria, when the nitrogen they have absorbed is once again made available, and ultimately the balance is restored, in fact enhanced.

To make certain that the plants do not suffer from the temporary shortage feed with a good nitrogenous fertiliser as soon after mulching has been completed as possible, watering the ground well before doing so if the soil is rather dry.