IN THE GARDEN

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24370, 23 September 1944, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

♦ WORK FOR THE WEEK

(Specially written for "The Press.*')

[By, W. J HUMM.I

VEGETABLES

In most localities the soil is in a fit condition for the sowing and planting of most vegetable crops. Parsnips and onions require a long growing period and should be got in at once. It is advisable to procure sets of the main crop potatoes now. Plant cabbage, cauliflowers, lettuce, and artichokes. Sow celery and leek seed. Do not make the mistake of sowing seeds too thickly. Continue to sow second early peas. As soon as the plants are about three inches high thev should be moulded up and staked. To maintain a constant supply of fresh vegetables make sowings of lettuce, radish, turnips, beet, and carrots. Sow these in quantities to suit the requirements of the family. It is a mistake to sow large quantities of vegetables at one sowing when they may be grown successively. There is no need to have a glut or a famine, and a well-managed garden should always have a constant supply of succulent vegetables for use. The majority of summer vegetables develop very quickly and soon grow into usable size. After this stage they toughen up and are unsuitable for the table. In warm localities tomato plants may be planted out, but where the soil is of a cold nature and subjected to late frosts, the end of October will be early enough to plant. When preparing the soil for this crop do not use animal manures to excess, especially if the land is heavy. If used it will cause the plants to make rank, sappy growth. The Correct time to give the plant assistance in the way of manure is when.the second set of fruit is formed. If the right kind of manure is given them it will aid the plants in the production of fruit.

Keep the hoe going constantly through all growing crops. Many people have the idea that the hoe Is an implement for destroying. weed? only. This is not so. Nothing keeps the soil in better fertility than the use of this tool.

FLOWERS

There are a number of hardy annuals useful for cutting and garden decoration that may be sown in the open borders where they will remain, until they have flowered. The following are useful for cutting:—annual chrysanthemums, clarkias, cornflowers, gypsophila, elegans, godetias, larkspur, lupins, mignonette, «, Shirley poppies, asters, and phlox drummondii. This class of plants is better sown in groups rather than in straight lines. As soon as the seedlings are large enough they should be thinned out so as to stand about eight inches to a foot apart Make another sowing of sweet peas. These will produce good flowers for summer and autumn use. Delphiniums are making rapid growth now. They .should be staked and, if required for exhibition, the small growths should be thinned out. Polyanthus are flowering well this season. Any of the outstanding blooms should be marked and saved for seed for stock. It is surprising what a fine strain may be evolved by selection. Polyanthus seed should be sown, as soon as ripe, in shallow boxes using plenty of leaf mould and sharp sand in the soil mixture. Place the boxes in a shaded position and as soon as the seedlings are large enough, prick' off into boxes, placing about 50 plants in each box. Polyanthus and also primroses are not fond of lime and any manure containing . this property should be avoided. Polyanthus should be planted in autumn. Plant another batch of gladioli how to prolo.ng the flowering period. Dahlias that have been wintered inside are now commencing to grow. They may be taken out and divided up. Replant small portions of the tubers which are showing growth. Dahlias which Were wintered in the ground may also be taken up, divided, and replanted,’ In selecting a position for. dahlias', see that they are given shelter, but on no account shade,, and-also fair distance from tree roots, hj - . ' In the next weeks gardeners busy planting. out beddingwlilMls “to make a summer display >l3Phe' first week in October is to commence this work. Get the soil well worked to receive the plants. The majority of bedding plants are annuals, and if checked in growth after planting they will never properly recover. SHRUBS ■ The flowering peaches are at present in full glory. The two outstanding forms are prunus persica splendens and prunus persica Clara Meyer. The former is the brightest of all spring flowering trees. The flowers are double and each branch is clothed with bright, glowing, cerise flowers. Clara Meyer is similar in habit of growth and flowers just as profusely. Its large double pink flowers are very showy and quite distinct from all other forms.