THE WEEK'S WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 14, 16 July 1931, Page 22

THE WEEK'S WORK

"FLOWER GARDEN. ;Very little can be done in the matter of weeding or digging at the present time. The soil in most" places, except on the sea coast, is. thoroughly saturated with the late hoavy rains, and to attempt to work such soil is disastrous. If any fairly dry soil is available, it should be utilised for seed boxes. Put.it. through a hajf-inch riddle before placing it in the boxes, which should be fill to a depth of about 3Jin to 4in. Level the soil off and make it firm with a short piece of board before sowing the seed. All hardy flower seeds may be sown at the present time in such boxes, which should be stood in a warm sunny, sheltered position. Dahlia;tubers which are stored should bo looked over now and then to ensure that they are not being destroyed by w,ood liceand"slugs. Give them a dusting of lime and spot to keep these pests away. ■ ■ . .. , • ■ • •■ j VEGETABLE GARDEN. j Continue the planting of fruit trees and bushes when conditions are1 favourable. , ' . ■ ' . ■ • ~ Plant out, cabbage, cauliflowers, onions, lettuces, and silver beet. . , Sow broad beans and early peas.' , When sowing at this season, it is best to make drills and sow on top of these. This ensures good drainage and the maximum of warmth. As soon as it is possible; to. get on the ground after heavy rain, the soil-be-tween the rows of growing crops should be loosened up. Thin out and weed any seedling'crops —this greatly ;helps growth.: . ■. ■ Dustings' of old soofc. 'over seedling crops will keep away various pests.' Seedling crops'are liable to be destroyed by! birds at this season just, as they are coming through the ground. Protect them by stretching cotton, along the rows. . • . ■ ,