IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22659, 14 March 1939, Page 5

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK (SPECIAL!.! WRITTEN TOR THE PRESS.) [By W. J. HUMM.] VEGETABLES Few persons realise the immense value of cultivating the soil in autumn. As soon as the crops are gathered it is time to prepare for next season's crops. For the production of quality vegetables, deep cultivation must be done and remember, too, that the soil must have good drainage. Nothing kills soil quicker than allowing it to remain ■waterlogged over the greater part - of wthe winter. A wet, cold soil is not ■productive. The roots must have P warmth and air. This they will not gef if the soil is charged with water. The micro-organisms that keep the soil fertile cannot function when the soil is not well drained. These, too, must have air and warmth. Better aeration will be obtained if the surface is left in a rough state after digging. The action of both rain and frost will break down the large lumps and leave the soil in good condition. When lime is needed give the surface a good application as soon as digging is complete. *Die rains of winter will wash it in. “Sow now prickley-seeded spinach, yellow-fleshed turnips, carrots, perpetual spinach, and silver beet.’ Earth up round the necks of cabbages and cauliflowers. A little lime dusted beneath each plant would keep the soil sweet. Cabbages need it. Lettuce for use early next spring should be sown now. Neapolitan is a reliable kind. It stands the winter well. Make a sowing of all vegetables used for salads. Sow onions to stand through the winter. A firm seed bed is necessary. Woodash or soot would improve the crop. Lift and store second early potatoes as soon as they are fit. Wet weather often causes second growth. This is undesirable. Beet should be lifted as soon as it is matured. Do not lift parsnips. These are best left in the ground until spring. Dig them for use as they are needed. Gradually earth up early crops of celery and leeks. Dry onions well before storing them or they will not keep. It is not too late to sow parsley/ Protect the cabbage crops from grubs by dusting them with derridust. Sow Flower of Spring cabbage now to produce plants for setting out later. These should be ready for use early next spring. Plant out now winter cabbage and broccoli. FLOWERS March and April are the best months to which to plant out paeony roses. They will stilk if planted in the middle of winter. If polyanthus are wanted to make a lasting and effective display next spring, put the plants in now. Plant sweet williams and Canterbury bells now. These should be in full bloom next December. Sow sweet peas now. These should bloom early next season. If hollyhock seed is sown now the plants should bloom next season. Sow hardy annuals in the borders where they are to remain and flower next season. Plant out bulbs of the early flowering gladioli (Colvillei) section. Ne plus ultra, peach blossom, and insignis are distinct kinds. Spray wallflowers with arsenate of lead to destroy grubs. Use this at the rate of one ounce to four gallons of water. Keep all withered blooms off dahlias. Plant out now flag irises. No animal manure should be given. Continue to plant spring flowering bulbs such as narcissi, hyacinths, tulips, crocuses, English and Spanish Ijl irises, ranunculi, and anemones. -jr FRUIT March is the best month to plant out strawberries. Dig in plenty of well decayed manure. Clean up and burn all branches infected with fireblight or silver blight. Cut out and burn all raspberry canes that have borne fruit. These old canes will be infested with the borer grub. Spray the young canes with arsenate of lead. This will destroy the grubs that destroy the buds on the young canes. Keep the surface soil well stirred under fruit trees. Soil aeration does much to keep trees in a thriving condition. Early Orleans, Angelina Burdett, Coe’s Golden Drop, and President are prolific fruiting plums and well worth growing. Take up and burn all diseased leaves and fruit. Leaving these on the ground only gives more trouble next season. THE GLASSHOUSE * Give plenty of air on all suitable occasions. There is nothing gained by coddling the plants during autumn. Build vigour into them by giving plenty of air, both by day and night, on all suitable occasions. Pot up bulbs to provide early flowers. Place these in a shady position outside. This will encourage root growth. Sow schizanthus seed now if they are wanted to bloom early next season. After sowing place in a frame outside. Pelargoniums and geraniums strike freely during the present month Hydrangeas and roses may be struck from cuttings now. Pot on cinerarias and place in a cool position outside. Pot on cyclamen and primulas as they need it. Sow mignonette for winter blooming. Give fuchsias and begonias liquid manure. SHRUBS Quite an unusual shrub in bloom at present is Lespedeza sieboldi. Each year it develops n£w growth from its base. On these growths are borne the pea-shaped rose-purple blooms. The flowers are borne on long racines. When each of the long growths is terminated by the pendulous flowers it. te very effective. The shrub is quite hardy, and will thrive in most gardens. Like all pea flowered plants it should be given a position in full sun and where the soil is well drained. Each spring it should be pruned to the 1 ground. It will then send up new : growths. On these will be borne the ; flowers in autumn.