THE WEATHER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 213, 7 September 1900, Page 3

THE WEATHER.

On the whole we have not had a severe winter, but it has been a wet one, vain falling almost every day for some lime back with the exception of a few days last week. At the time of writing the ground is perfectly sodden with the heavy rains which we experienced at the end of last and the beginning; of this week. It is time now that we received, fine weather so that all early crops may be put in the • ground while it is dry. Whenever a few fine days come every advantage ought to be taken so as to get all early crops in in order that they may get a good' start. Continue the planting of early potatoes on every favourable occasion. Onions.—The main crop of these should be sown as soon as possible so as to give them ample time to produce good large bulbs. Autumn sown onions should now be of good size. See that the soil is kept free and open, and in poor soils dust a little artificial manure between the rows.

If rhubarb was not planted out as previously recommended, the work should be carried out as early as circumstances will permit. Early celery seedlings should be pneked off into fine rich soil as soon as large enough to handle. Frames or boxes may be filled with them. Make the surface soil tolerably firm and well bury the roots. The young plants grow more vigorously if a slight hot bed is made under the frame and the soil placed thereon, but they succeed in boxes-pending a subsequent transplanting-if these are placed upon shelves in glass structures. As before advised main sowings should all tie promptly made. After beds and borders are planted, neatly hoe the surface of the ground between the plants, when fairly dry, and repeat the process after heavy rains. Maintain the surface neatly rough always, whereby the plants will thrive. Do not resort to the town amateur's too general practise of raking surfaces smooth, whereby rains run off them, and the fixity of the sun's rays becomes injuriously intense. Aim rather at covering the ground with luxuriant growth than making a display of even, »mooiti, gi'ound work. Hardy climbing plants.—lt is well, now spring growth is commencing, to remind readers all must be definitely pruned and set in order for their summer growth. Few subjects there are that do not want winter primings', and others, such as magnolia grandiflora, should have all wall fastenings seen to and made secure. Clematis which are already growing, should have young shoots kept apart, and each tacked up as growth progresses. Winter flowering jessamine should be pruned back severely as soon as its yellow flowers are all past. . Manurial dressings to the roots and surface soil stirring all should receive when their heads have been attended to.