REMINDERS FOR THE WEEK

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 3, 4 January 1941, Page 7 (Supplement)

REMINDERS FOR THE WEEK

THE FLOWER GARDEN

The leaves of spring flowering bulbs have now died down and the bulb* may be lifted, dried and stored for replanting in autumn. It is unnecessary to lift Daffodil bulbs in the average garden until they become overcrowded, but Tulips benefit by this treatment. The Amaryllis Belladonna (Belladonna Lily), which flowers in early autumn, should be planted without delay. Choose a well-drained border of loam (old turf) at the foot of a sunny wall; plant six inches deep. Sow biennials and perennials on a sheltered border out of direct sunlight. Insert cuttings from the base of choice perennial plants. If soil conditions are suitable start preparing the land for <iew lawns. Tree Tomatoes need copious supplies of water in dry periods or they will drop their fruit later. Prevent weeds from seeding. Eradicate when small; in any case, before flowering. Burn weeds that have gone to seed. Stake herbaceous border plants in good time. Once they become misshapen they never get straight again. Bulbs of Autumn Crocus and hardy Cyclamen may be planted for autumn flowering. The new shoots which are now growing from the base of Rambler Roses need to be preserved carefully, for they will provide nejrt year's finest blooms.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

Turnips are at their best in early autumn when the root* are tweeter than in summer. A sowing should be made of a good variety. It is worth while sowing a few rows of an early variety of Carrot to provide small, delicious roots in autumn. Perpetual Spinach is another vegetable suitable for present sowing. Shallot* should be lifted during January. When the fruit is not forming freely in Tomatoes the flowers should be shaken to ensure pollination. Tomatoes should be sprayed every three or four weeks to guard against disease. Use Bordeaux, one level tablespoonful to two gallons water As soon as the fruit of Marrow* is set, stop the shoots at two leavea beyond the fruit. Marrows and Pumpkins need an abundance of water; also liquid manure once a week. Sow New Zealand Spinach. Soak the seed in hot water for a few hour* prior to planting and select a sunny position where the soil i naturally «Iry. Peas planted this month should be sown thinly, and the deeper the cultivation the better the crop. They will require ample supplies

of water. Parsnips should be kept weeded and the surface of the ground loose ■with the hoe. Be in no hurry to harvest the crop, as frost improves their quality. Leeks can be planted now.