THE WEEK'S WORK

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 8, 9 July 1931, Page 24

THE WEEK'S WORK

VEGETABLE GARDEN. j Every opportunity, should be taken whenever the soil is dry enough to trench or dig over the various plots and manure, them in preparation for later planting and sowing. Avoid working heavy soil while it is wet, as this does much harm. Where drainage is deficient attention should'be paid to the matter. Field drains —or tiles—make effective drains. They should bo placed suffi ciently deep to be out of the way of ordinary digging operations. An adequate outlet for drainage water must bo supplied. Keep all growing crops well weeded and the soil between the rows loosened up- . Thinning of seedling crops is .important, Early peas require protection from birds. Stretch some black.cotton along tho rows. Clear away all spent crops and burn up any rubbish unsuitable for burying. Slugs and snails may prove ; destructive to young plants unless checked. Sprinkle lime, soot, or alum round the plants. Weak doses of nitrate of soda will help cabbage, cauliflower, lettnee, etc. Planting of -bush . fruits and fruit trees should be procoedec. with whenever the soil conditions are suitable. It is better to postpone the operation while the ground is very wet. FLOWER GARDEN. ... Plant roses and ornamental trees andi shrubs.-. It is well to remember that such planting is permanent, consequently adequate prepanation of the soil is essential to success. Be sure that anybroken or straggling roots are cut off before planting, and spread out the roots evenly before covering them.

• Whenever the soil is dry enough hardy annuals may be planted out for early blooming. ..,, There are numerous, selfsowing seedlings about the garden, and these may bo utilised for early planting.

Autumn-sown sweet peas require watching. Slugs may prove troublesome -'unless cheeked.

Supply, twiggy supports for the young plants to climb on. •If tho plants are coming up too thick, thin them out to at least-9in apart.

Where a frame is available sow stocks, pansies, violas, antirrhinums,: larkspurs, dianthus, delphinium, gaillardias, ndmesias, and other hardy plants.; Escept in very sheltered localities, where the soil is light and porous, it is risky to sow seeds outside.

Prune roses as the buds swell. Fork over, and weed all beds wherever opportunity occurs.