IN THE GARDEIN

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23203, 14 December 1940, Page 2

IN THE GARDEIN

WORK FOR THE WEEK (BPECULLT WRITTEN EOB TUB PRESS.) (By W. J. HUMM) Vegetables There is nothing like dry weather to find out the weak spots in garden cultivation. Where the soil was deeply dug last autumn and kept well worked with the hoe during spring,

vegetable crops have done well this season. On the other hand, where the soil has not received a thorough working, many crops are not of the highest quality. Shallow worked soil can never givi- of its best. When the soil is deeply dug, a deeper and a better root pasture is created for the crops, aeration takes place to a greater depth and the soil is more fertile. As soon as a few warm days

are experienced many gardeners, seeing the surface soil dry, come to the conclusion that the crops need water, and usually make the mistake of giving them too much. Copious watering is necessary where the soil is poor and hungry, but where the land is heavy, more good would be done with the

hoe than with the hose. Too much water has a tendency to make the soil cold and prevent air from reaching the

roots, Much moisture can be conserved in the soil by the frequent use of the hoe. , , . Where the soil is liable to dry out quickly, it is a good plan to mulch between the rows with old stack bot-

Tom or well spent manure, lawn clippings or other litter. This will feed and keep the roots cool. If manure is not available, the roots may be protected by what is known as a dust mulch. This is done by applying the hoe until the top three inches of the soil is reduced to a fine tilth. By this the soil is thoroughly aerated, moisture is conversed and weeds are kept down. This form of mulch is

within everybody’s reach. It may be applied to almost- every crop and can be renewed after every shower with-

out much trouble. Keep the. soil well worked between the potatoes. Mould up peas and beans.

This helps them a lot. Runner beans should be staked and sprayed overhead with water during hot weather. Sow peas and beans for succession. Plant lettuce, cabbage, and cauli-

Prepare trenches for celery. Make sure that good, fertile soil is left in the bottom of the trench. Sow swede turnips for winter use. Sow parsley ftr winter use. Pumpkins, marrows, and cucumbers will fruit better if sulphate of potash is given at the rate of a teaspoon to

each plant, and watered m Sow silver beet, carrots, and endive, also perpetual spinach. The New Zealand spinach is splendid to the soil is of a poor nature. It is surprising how quickly the plant will make luxurious growth, even in the P ooras * soil. A short row is sufficient for the average family. . , Yellow-fleshed turnips stand noi weather much better than the white fleshed ones. Flowers Most of the work in the flower garden at present is keeping up a tidy appearance by staking and tying up plants that need it. Marigolds, salvias. petunias, ageratums, heliotropes, and zinnias may still be planted. Make preparations now for spring effect by sowing wallflower seeds. Sweet William and Canterbury bells, If sown now, will be in full bloom next December, Remove all dead bloom from rose trees. Those that have finished their first flowering should have their flowering growths cut back; also cut out

anv spindly and exhausted growths. Keep the hoe going, and give each established plant a handful of superphospate; water this in. Keep the dead flowers picked off sweet peas; allowing them to produce seed is a drain on their vitality, and fewer flowers will be the consequence. Nasturtium seeds may be sown now. Keep gladioli well cultivated. Where the soil is light it may be necessary to give water. Plant Iceland poppies, petunias, and French and African marigolds. Stake and disbud carnations. Top dress peony roses, lily of the valley, and Christmas roses with welldecayed manure. To prevent fungus diseases from attacking roses, spray with liver of sulphur. Use this at ttys rate of ioz to the gallon of water. Colloidal sulphur is also effective. Shrubs Those wishing to have a continuity of effect with flowering shrubs should note any outstanding subject that flowered during late summer and

autumn, as it is during this period that showy flowering shrubs are few. At present Carpentena Cahfornica is in full flower. This evergreen does well in partial shade. In this position the flowers are larger, and they remain fresh over a longer-period. If planted in full sun, the foliage is liable to contract. Although this plant belongs to the same order as the Philadelphia, it is quite distinct in foliage'and flower. Its fragrant white flowers, often measuring from two to three inches in diameter, are produced on (he extremities of (he growths. Each terminal cluster consists of from three to five flowers.