WORK FOR THE WEEK

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 105, 27 January 1933, Page 3

WORK FOR THE WEEK

THE VEGETABLE PLOT Water peas and beans freely in dry weather.' Celery mid leeks also need ample supplies of water if they are to make steady growth. Sow green crops, such as lupin, oats and mustard, for turning under as ground becomes vacant. An ample supply of Iniiiiiis then becomes available for (he next crops.

THE FLOWER GARDEN Seed of polyanthus, primula setiensis and malacoides may be planted in shallow seed trays. Plant Derives, amaryllis, belladonna, and autumn crocus. Pick spent blooms off roses, dahlias, and sweet peas to prolong the flowering season. Stake dahlias ami chrysanthemums Plant daffodils from now on.

How to Take Cacti Cuttings Cacti are comparatively easy to grow from cuttings or from seed. The cuttings selected must be about three inches in length, and dried for two or three days before potting. If taken now, they can be grown without artificial heat. To begin with, put them in very small pots, Increasing the size as they grow. If they fail to take root either the cuttings have been left too long and become too dry, or they have been kept too moist and decayed. If this happens, cut the ends off and start again, leaving them to dry just long enough for the cut to heal. The only way to learn is by experimenting, and.it will not be long before your efforts are successful. Seeds should be sown in big, shallow boxes, with the usual soil mixture, sprinkled over with sifted mould. The watering is important and must be done with a spray, as the soil itself must only be just damp. Neither, on the other hand, must it be dry, so this will need attention every day. They are best kept in a frame, and something, such as an old sack, should be placed over the glass to shield them from the midday sun. When they begin to grow, transplant them into small pots,Using a fork, and letting the plant rest gently between the prongs.

Plant Daffodils Now Most bulbs are planted during March and April, but the daffodil resents remaining out of the ground so long. February is not too soon for planting, and tbe flowers will not only be earlier but larger than if the bulbs are put in later. The reason for this will be seen if daffodils which have been naturalised are raised and examined during the resting season; it will be found that the roots are growing. The daffodil is at home in the shrubbery border, in the mixed border, or naturalised on grassy banks and under deciduous trees. Of all the spring flowers it is the best for cutting for indoor decoration, and no garden should be without a supply. In’height daffodils may be had from 6 inches to 2 feet, especially in the trumpet section which comprises the dwarf minimus, sometimes only 3 inches, and the giant King Alfred. Failures with bulbs may often be traced to wrong depth of planting, or to a'dressing of fresh manure. Only spent stuff from hot beds or that which has been long heaped in the yard should be used. In heavy soils a dressing of basic slag is good; for light and sandy soil use crushed bones.

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