THE WEEK'S WORK.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 177, 28 July 1928, Page 6 (Supplement)

THE WEEK'S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. The weather has prevented much outdoor work, but there are many jobs that can be done inside during bad weather. Cleaning and making and painting labels is a job which should be done ready tor the busy season. Stakes should be gathered up, sorted into sizes, and resharpened. The digging of herbaceous borders around shrubs on the lawn and in the shrubberies should be done now. When digging in herbaceous borders always label or mark in a conspicuous manner the position of bulbs or plants that die completely down. Such things as Paeonies and Liliums are often spoilt through having been cut with a spade. Bulbs are showing through the soil, and at the first opportunity the soil should be loosened, either with the hoe or fork. Border Carnations must have any bad foliage picked off. Give the plants an occasional dusting with lime. Begonias and other bulbs in store should be looked over and cleaned of any rubbish. A planting of Gladioli can be made. A deeply worked soil with the manure well below the bulbs is necessary for success. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. The wet weather will show plainly whether a garden needs draining or not. Where it is obvious that the underground water is stagnant some kind of drain should be made to take it away. Vacant ground should be dug over or trenched. This job can done when the ground is not fit for other work. Sow a crop of Oats or Lupins on any ground that is not to be used for a time. This is better than letting it grow a crop of weeds. Vegetables in store, such as Potatoes, Onions, Marrows and Pumpkins, should be looked over, and any showing signs of decay picked out. Seed Potatoes should be stood in shallow wooden trays or boxes to sprout prior to planting. Plantings of Cabbage and Cauliflowers can be made. Autumn planted crops that are beginning to "turn in" should have a dose of nitrate of soda. Plantings of Peas and Potatoes can be made when the soil is in the right condition. THE FRUIT GARDEN. Spray now while the trees are dormant and strong solutions can be used. Caustic soda lib and nitrate of soda 10lb, dissolved in 10 gallons of water, is one of the best and simplest of winter sprays. The use of nitrate of soda is said to promote a more even set of fruit. In any case, if of little value as a spray, what falls on the soil will act as a manure. Choose a quiet day for applying the spray, and as it is very caustic it is best to either wear old gloves or keep the hands well greased. Cut out dead and weak laterals, and especially thin out the inner portion of the tree. Do not over prune. Hard pruning is inclined to cause excessive growth of wood at the expense of fruit. When pruning aim at keeping the tree a good shape, evenly balanced, at the same time retaining the fruit buds or spurs evenly distributed all over the tree. When planting prepare the ground well by deep cultivation, but do not plant deep. The tree should not be planted lower than when in the nursery. No manure is necessary at planting; any that may be required should be applied after the tree has commenced to grow. THE GREENHOUSE. Prepare soil, pans and pots for propagating purposes. All pots, pans and crocks should be washed, and all soil and sand should be fresh. Winter flowering Begonias must not be ov*r-watered. Keep them just moist, but not sodden. Let the plants stand so that there is a current of air between them. Water must be supplied with caution. Any watering should be done .®J ur .' ng -k® n,orn,n g> so that any surplus can dry up before night. Ventilation is of first importance. This must be sufficient, at the same time cold draughts or a damp, close atmosphere must be carefully avoided. If not already done, give the house a thorough cleaning. All woodwork and glass should be thoroughly washed with strong soap and water. The stages and coverings should be washed and underneath given a coat of whitewash. Bulbs that were potted or boxed for forcing purposes will now be opening their flowers. Plenty qf water will be needed. Too high a temperature will often cause the flowers to become distorted, or the bulbs to go blind and not flower at all. rreesias will be sending up flower spikes, and a little weak liquid manure will help to develop the blooms. Once the flowers show colour no liquid manure should be given. Tree Carnations v/ill now be sending up the flowers, and the house must be kept warm enough to develop them properly. Frequent applications of liquid manure will be beneficial. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Should a plant show signs of being too wet, turn it out of the pot and let it lie in a shady place for a day. Cyclamen in flower must be watered carefully, otherwise the leaf and flower stems decay. Primulas, Cinerarias and Herbaceous Calceolaria will need attention. They mult not be allowed to get dry, nor must they be overwatered. Fumigation of the house will be necessary every two or three weeks " fcphis and red spider is to be kept down.