Demands Of Spring In City Gardens

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 284, 30 November 1944, Page 3

Demands Of Spring In City Gardens

The earthing up of potatoes should not be carried out too perfunctorily. The time to earth up is according to the condition EARTHING UP of the haulm. It. POTATOES is ready for attention when 9in high. The bank of soil drawn up on each side of the- haulm should not be more than 4in to sin high. Deep earthing reduces yields, because it covers up so many leaves that the potatoes have inadequate fcsDd-gathering powers. Potash is essential to the health of potatoes; if you have not already done so, work in wood ashes along the rows at the rate of loz per running yard, or sulphate of potash, loz to every 3yds. Make sure the soil meets actually between the haulms in a pointed ridge—don't leave a raintrap channel in the centre of the ridge. * * * * It can reasonably be assumed that I there will be no substantial reduction in the price of vegetables this summer, a fact NEED FOR which should MORE PL/AN TING be an added inducement to gardeners to produce. There should be no let-up in the present operations; indeed, there is every reason to plant greater areas. Because blight ana disease have damaged one crop should not prevent its replacement. The blight attacking potatoes and tomatoes, for instance, is not a constant scourge. It makes its appearance only under exceptional weather conditions and will not thrive where proper precautions are taken. These consist principally of spraying with bordeaux mixture every fortnight. Thorough spraying of potatoes and tomatoes, also of fruit trees; is an inexpensive insurance against loss. This should be accompanied by thorough maintenance of the garden. This consists of removing all rubbish, either to the compost heap or by burning, keeping weeds down and the soil loose All these operations are of the greatest importance at this time of the year, when pests are most active and every heap of rotting weeds or clump of grass furnishes a hideout for slugs, snails and other garden gangsters. * * * *

One of the best returns in the vegetable garden is obtained from runner beans, which may be planted

from now on. RUNNER BEANS Their needs are ARE PROLIFIC few although, as with all plants, they give of their best when properly treated. The essentials are an open situation and deep soil, rich in organic manures. A moderate liming in advance of planting is useful, but if stable manure or decayed vegetable refuse is dug in there's no need to use artificial manure. - Plant the seed six inches apart. The vines may be trained up stakes or on wire netting, but should not be encouraged to climb over seven feet. If the shoots are then nipped out the plants are more fruitful.

Chrysanthemums grow best in full sun and away from other plants. Their culture is simple. Soil should be friable, deep, and conFIOWER tain leaf-mould, cow GARDEN manure or bonedust.

Compost can replace the cow manure. During the rapid early stages of growth, fortnightly applications of liquid cow manure and soot water will benefit the plants, but should cease when the buds begin to show colour. Give liquid manure only after rain or a thorough hosing. Chrysanthemums need water in a dry spell, and plenty of it. To sprinkle, especially at night, usually brings on mildew. Flowers that may be sown now include wallflower, forget-me-not, sweet william and Canterbury bell. Plant snapdragon, viola, pansy, pentstemon, montbretia, Korean and other border chrysanthemums. Stake herbaceous border Elants before the stems become bent, ift and separate polyanthus, primrose and daisy, replanting the rooted pieces in a reserve border. Prune early spring flowering shrubs. Green fly on roses increases rapidly unless destroyed. Spray with a good insecticide two or three times, at weekly intervals. Continue transplanting seedlings of summer-flowering annuals. Plant also dahlias and gladioli. Daisies and broad-leafed weeds on lawns can be eradicated by sulplate of ammonia treatment. Repeat in three weeks if necessary.