IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23819, 12 December 1942, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR THE WEEK

[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 hoed 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 give 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 the hose. Too much water has a tendency to rpake 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 bottom or 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 conserved, and weeds are kept down. This form of mulch is within everybody’s reach. It may be applied to almost any crop and can be renewed after every shower without 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 cauliflower. Prepare trenches for celery. Make sure that good fertile soil is left in the bottom of the trench. Sow swede turnips and parsley for winter use. Pumpkins, marrow, and cucumbers will fruit belter if sulphate of potash is given at the rate of a teaspoon to each plant and watered in. Sow silver beet, carrots, and endive, also perpetual spinach. The New Zealand spinach is splendid to plant where the soil is of a poor nature. It is surprising how quickly the plant will make luxurious growth, even in the poorest soil. A short row is sufficient for the average family. Yellow-fleshed turnips stand hot weather much better than the whitefleshed 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 a spring effect by sowing wallflower seeds. Sweet William and Canterbury bells, it 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 any spindly and exhausted growths. Keep the hoe going. Give each established plant a handful of superphosphate and 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 is necessary to give water. Plant Iceland poppies, petunias, and French and African marigolds. Stake and disbud carnations. Top-dress paeony roses, lily of the valley, and Christmas roses with well decayed manure.

To prevent fungus diseases attacking roses, spray with liver of sulphur. Use this at the rate of joz 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 arc few. At present Carpentaria Californica 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 philadelphus, it is quite distinct in foliage and flower. Its fragrant white flowers, often measuring from two to three inches in diameter, are produced on the extremities of the growths. Each terminal cluster consists of from three to five flowers.

Tin In Solder Controlled. —As a result of the increasing demand for nonferrous metals, such as tin, for war purposes, it had been necessary to introduce a further control notice which prohibited the manufacture of any solder having a tin content of more than 33 per cent., said the Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) yesterday. Additions to the list of articles which may not be manufactured from any non-ferrous metals are brush ferrules, counter strips and grilles, curtain rails, display fittings, picture wire, soap dispensers, and towel rails.—(P.A.)