KITCHEN GARDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 303, 23 December 1898, Page 3

KITCHEN GARDEN.

At intervals we are still receiving-plenty of rain, -which keeps the soil in'a good moist state, so that all manner of crops are still growing rapidly. At the present .time all who may be able •to procure mulching materials should get them at once and apply them between the rows of the late crops. This will greatly assist in keeping the soil moist when the dry weather set 3 in. Celery : still continue planting for succession. Earth up the early crops and prepare a trench for planting out early next month. See that there is plenty of manure placed in the bottom of the trench. Leeks ■■:■ the main crop should now be planted out in rich, well manured soils. "Where extra large leeks are required they should be planted out in trenches the same as celery. Onions are now, swelling rapidly, see that the soil between the rows is kept free and open and all weeds killed. Pumpkins, melons, marrows, cucumbers, etc.', are now beginning to grow strongly ; pinch out all superfluous shoots. Tomatoes are beginning to grow, and some of the early plants are beginning to set. Thin out all superfluous shoots and tie up the fruiting ones to their supports. If dry Weather sets in feed with liquid manure on poor soils, and on rich ones give plenty of clean water. Cabbage and cauliflower : still plant for succession, water after planting. Sow a small patch of seed for planting out about the beginning of February. After sowingthe seed keep the soil moist till the young plants are removed to their permanent quarters. Make suceessional sowings of small saladings in cool moist situations. Peas : fork between the rows of advancingcrops and earth up. Provide stakes for tall growing varieties which are now beginning to run. It is little use to sow now unless in moist swampy soils. Potatoes : as the early crop is cleared away off the ground have the soil manured, dug and planted or sown with an autumn crop. French and running varieties of beans : continue sowing for succession. Where lately sown crops are just coming through the soil fork between the. rows, and as they advance in growth earth up and stake the running varieties. On those which are now producing,pick all beans ready for use whether required or not. This will prolong the fruiting period Of the plants by not allowing them to ripen seed. The same remarks will apply to peas which are in full bearing. Red Cabbage : a few rows of such should now be planted. The soil from which early potatoes have been taken is admirably adapted for this purpose. See that the soil between the row^s of all crops is kept in a thorough state of cultivation. All weeds should be kept under and not allowed to produce seed. The haulm of every crop, as it is exhausted, should be cleared away to the' rot heap. The soil should then be manured and dug.and another crop either sown or planted. During the hot dry months of summer it is better for the soil to be covered with crops. FLOWER GARDEN. The moist state of the soil has caused many early summer plants to grow to a much larger size than'usual. This has caused a good deal of overcrowding. Still growers received a benefit by tne extra number of flowers which the plants produced. Many of the early flowering plants have spent themselves. All annuals should be cleared away off tne ground. Perennials should have their seed stocks or spikes cut off. Where this is done now many of them will give a good harvest of flowers during the autumn. Finish planting cockscombs, portulaea, amaranthus, phlox drummondi. zinnias; balsams and all other tender annuals. If after plant-ing-dry weather sets in, plenty of water Will be required till they get well established. All blanks in bedding plants should be filled up now as soon as possible so as to get them well started. Chrysanthemums and dahlias are now growing strongly. Where they are grown for ordinary garden flowers the plants should be pinched back so as to produce four to six stems which will give on each a large number of flowers. If dry weather sets in keep the soil around the plants moist. The same remarks wib apply to the dahlia, gladiolus, and all other tall growing plants which. are beginning to show flower spikes: See to the staking and tying, for if this be not done there Is great danger of the plants being broken just when they are at their best. All Plants which, during the moist weather, showed a tendency to produce strong rank shoots should now have such cut out. Frequently stir the surface soil with the hoe. This will not only keep •weeds under but will also be of vast benefit to the plants. The lawns have been very troublesome on account of the moisture, still to make the place look well the machine must be frequently used. The roller ought also to be used after rains. GREENHOUSE. Growth is now very active and plenty of water should be applied every evening, using liquid manure to all strong growing plants, and see that no plant suffers from the want of water. Coleus and other rank strong growing plants should he removed into larger pots as soon as their present tfots are filled with roots. Look after insects. Give plenty of air during the day and syringe all plants not in flower when closing up the house in the evening. . Gloves.-All the leading makes Dent, Alcroft's a specialty, from 1/11* to 5/6. The largest stoch in the trade to ghoose from at Court Bros.—(Ad.J