THE GARDEN IN FEBRUARY".

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 32, 7 February 1935, Page 20

THE GARDEN IN FEBRUARY".

This is .generally one of the dryest months of the year, and consequently garden operations must-be regulated according to the season. It is unwise to attempt planting out while the weather is very dry, but should a damp spell arrive the planting.out of cabbages, cauliflowers and other winter greens should be .finished. Vegetables which.may be sown this month are lettuces and radishes, silver beet, turnips, spinach, french beans, and mustard and.cress. Tomatoes are ripening up well outside, and to protect the fruit from damage by caterpillars, which are usually troublesome at this season/include arsenate of lead in the bordeaux spray. Spraying should be done every three weeks or so, especially should a damp, muggy spell of weather occur. Keep off all side growths from tomato plants, and where the foliage is very dense and thus shading the fruit too much part of the leaves may be cut out, but the plants should not to entirely denuded of foliage. Potatoes which have died down are better lifted, as when allowed to remain in the warm ground they are liable to start .into fresh growth as soon as rain occurs, a condition which spoils the crop. Onions which have started to die down may be lifted arid dried off. All: sp'erit crops should: be removed from the ground, and where the plot is not required again immediately it should be dug over, receive a. dressing of superphosphate, and be sown down in blue lupin for digging in. Diseases and pests of various, kinds are rife at this season. To. discourage these, all rubbish should be gathered up and burnt. The ashes make useful manure, and should be scattered over the soil while quite dry. There is always plenty of work to be done, in the flower garden. Layering of carnations should'be finished as soon as possible, so that they may be well-rooted before'cold weather sets in.. Remove all spent crops, burning any which are affected with mildew or other. disease. Healthy rubbish may be placed on the rubbish heap to rot: down for digging in later. Roses' or other plants ;Which are attacked by mildew should be sprayed with, sulphide of potassium, one ounce to three .gallons of waiter, or dusted with flowers of sulphur during hot dry weather. • Dahlias should be in full flower, and to keep the plants healthy and vigorous .they ' should receive copious supplies of: water and ■ liquid manure at intervals. Staking is essential if the plants are to be protected from'damage" by winds—the hollow stalks break very easily unless properly supported. " '.Chrysanthemums require much the same.- treatment. Early flowering bulbs may be planted as soon as the ground has been property prepared and settled down. Evergreen hedges may be clipped and specimen shrubs of the same •class may also be trimmed at the present time. Lawns must be regularly mown and the edges cut.