THE GARDEN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 9, 22 October 1941, Page 3

THE GARDEN

GENERAL ROUTINE WORK. (Written for the “Guardian” by W. B. Brockie, N.D.H., N.Z.) PLANTS UNDER GLASS. Cinerarias should be sown now for flowering next winter. For the seed compost use a mixture ot 5 parts leafmould. 4 parts sand and 3 parts loam, all of which should be passed through a quarter-inch sieve. Drain the seed pans with crocks which should be covered with a little coarse leafmould then fill to within an inch of the rim with the seed soil, pressing it moderately firm. Water with a rose to settle the soil and when it has drained away sow the seeds not too thickly. The seed being very small requires only a mere dusting with fine soil to cover it. Keep the pans in a shady position covered with glass and brown paper until germination occurs. The small seedlings thereafter must be kept moderately moist and given plenty of light without direct sunshine. The next stage is to prick off the seedlings into boxes when They are large enough to handle then when they are touching each other place them singly in 4-inch pots, using this time a mixture of 3 parts loam, 2 of leafmould and 1 of coarse sand. Stand the pots in a shallow frame facing south, keeping the sashes closed for three or four days then gradually give them more air. From their first appearance above ground, never allow them to become dry. The final shift should be into 6 or 7-inch pots, using the same soil as recommended for the first potting..

Geranium cuttings should be shifted from the frames into the open air to allow sunlight to harden the stems preparatory to planting them out. If there appears to be danger of frost, however, place them back in the frame in the evenings.

Continue with the work of pricking off bedding plants as these become large enough. A good pricking off soil is made up of 2 parts loam and 1 part each of leafmould iind fine river sand. Plants that are advanced in growth should be hardened off bv giving them full ventilation in the frames during tlie daytime. Asters, African marigolds. salvia uisinia and sweet alyssuni may still be sown. the flower garden.

Dahlias which have been stored in sand since last autumn may now be divided and replanted. This applies also to plants which have been left in the ground. If the latter are allowed to grow without division a large number of weak shoots are produced and the flowers are of poor quality. Dahlias are gross feeders, so in preparing the bed for them work in a* liberal quantity of well-rotted manure.

Fill up spaces in the mixed flower border with antirrhinums, verbena, clarkia, godetia, stocks, and other annuals. Toward the back of the border sow seeds of sunflower. This tall annual always tilts its flower head in the direction of the sun, a characteristic which should not be forgotten in choosing its position with regard to getting a front view of it. Shrub and flower borders sho «iil be hoed freely to keep down weeds. Heavy soils which cake on the surface oftei rain can be greatly improved by working into the top four inches an equal bulk of decayed leaves or other garden litter. Greenfly on roses should ho sprayed with a “suitable insecticide. If this is delayed muclv injury to the young shoots may result. Stake and tie delphiniums before the succulent stems are damaged by wind. Weak shoots should be -removed. "When they have grown about IS inches,liquid manure applied to the roots will stimulate vigorous growth. Beds of wallflower and spring flowering bulbs should be kept neat and clear of tall'growing weeds until their period of bloom is ended. Select extra good forms of polyanthus for propagation either by division or seeds. Division is best effected immediately after flowering.

Plant violas in rich free soil. Before planting work into the soil a fair amount of well rotted manure and leafmould.

Sow nasturtiums for covering tree stumps, clay banks, lattice work and similar places. The dwarf Golden Gleam type are useful for furnishing small cultivated areas between the house and path. Grown in tubs standing on the garden path, or on concrete paving at the back door nasturtiums'make a very colourful and interesting fcatuie. They flower best in a position fully exposed to the sun. The rock garden wiH soon be at the height of its glory, the month of November being the time of year when the greatest number of plants are in flower at once. During this period especially, the rock garden itself and its immediate surroundings should be kept scrupulously clean of weeds and other unsightly objects so that the beauty of the occupants may he fully appreciated. THE KITCHEN GARDEN,

Apple and pear trees should be sprayed with arsenate of lead for the control of eodlin moth as soon as the petals begin to fall. Directions for its use are given on the container. Plant tomatoes in a position where they will be sheltered from cold winds and ground draughts. They must ho staked early and regular attentioff must be given to tying in the stems as growth proceeds. Sow'marrows and pumpkins in rich deeply-cultivated soil. Place the rounded end of the seed uppermost and cover with about an inch of earth. Dwarf beans should be sown in a’ double row. spacing the seeds six inches apart in the row with a foot between the rows.

Celery trenches should be prepared for immediate planting. To accommodate tivo rows make the trench 21 inches wide. The soil should be taken out to the depth of one foot. In the

bottom of the trench fork in a layer of four inches of decayed manure, then fill the trench to four inches from the top with some of the best of the soil taken out. The plants should be spaced alternately in a double row. Parsnips, carrots, turnips, beet and lettuce should he thinned before they become overcrowded. Hoe between the rows after thinning is completed to remove weeds and footmarks.

Sow broccoli, Brussels sprouts and curly kale for planting out in December.

No time should be lost in sowing leeks. These are usually planted about tho beginning of. January,

Spray young cabbage and cauliflower with arsenate of lead to protect them from white butterfly grubs. Add some dissolved soap to the wash so that it will spread evenly over the leaves. Alake fresh sowings of peas, lettuce, radish and turnips to ensure a succession cf supplies.