THE WEEK'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 71, 24 March 1928, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE WEEK'S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. The weeds are making up for lost time, and a timely hoeing has been necessary to keep weeds in check. Planting that has been delayed can now be done, and the beds and borders can be filled with spring flowering subjects. Seed of hardy annuals, biennials and perennials can be sown now. When making up seed beds firm the soil well, and have the surface as free of lumps as possible. If water is necessary soak the drills before sowing; to apply water directly after sowing is to cause the surface to cake and harden. Sow Cyclamen seeds now to produce plants to flower in about twelve months. Proceed with the planting of Narcissi, Anemones, etc. The season is getting on, and it is time the bulbs were in the ground. Dahlias need attention to tying up, disbudding, and the removal of spent blooms. Chrysanthemums are now growing fine, and the buds are developing rapidly. Watch carefully for caterpillars, etc. Frequent applications of liquid manure will be helpful, but use with discretion. Many of the spring and early flowering subjects can be sown now. Antirrhinums, Stocks, Pansies, Wallflowers, Forget-me-nots, Mignonette. Plants of early sowings that are ready for transplanting should be attended to without delay. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. Cabbages and Cauliflowers can be planted, and as a precaution against "fly" dust the plants and soil with fertiliser. A sowing of Cabbage and Cauliflower made now will produce plants that should come in early next summer* Amongst the seeds that can be sown now to overcome the shortage of green vegetables are Turnips, Spinach, Lettuce and Radish. Caterpillars are still troubling Tomatoes, and spraying with arsenate of lead is still necessary. The lifting of Potatoes and Kumaras as they mature must be attended to. A cold rain would spoil the crop. Pumpkins, Pie Melons, Marrows, and Water Melons should have the growths stopped to assist the fruits to develop. Winter Rhubarb should have the soil stirred round the roots, and a topdressing of manure applied. If stable manure is not available give a liberal dressing of blood and bone. Fowl manure is also good for the purpose.