THE GARDEN IN MAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 101, 1 May 1941, Page 15

THE GARDEN IN MAY

_, From now on the work in the vegetable garden will consist chiefly of preparation of the ground for future crops. While the soil is in good condition for working, efforts should be made to trench or dig and manure every part which is not under crop. Once the ground' becomes saturated wbrk of this kind must be postponed' as working wet soil does more harm than good.

'Harvesting of pumpkins, marrows, potatoes, and other vegetable crops should be completed without delay. See that the vegetables are properly dried before storing away.

»,; Gather up pea stakes, and, after Cleaning the bottoms, store under cover for next season. . ; . ./

A sowing of broad beans may -be made. .'Allow plenty of room between the plants, from. 9. to 12 inches is not too much, as seeds planted now produce crops ;early, 'and they require ias much sun as they can get: to mature the: pods..

'Clean up' asparagus beds, being careful not to damage the crowns.

.The tops may be cut down as soon as they commence to turn yellow.

a few inches of surface soil and replace with rotted manure with which is mixed some common salt, covering finally with fine cleain soil.

•In the-flower garden efforts should be made to preserve any plants which

will continue to flower during the present and future months.

Supports are very necessary for many, plants to prevent them being broken down by the weight of water after rain and by heavy winds.

Clear away all spent annuals, manure the ground, and dig it over ready for 'planting later on.

Almost all shrubs, trees, and perennials may be planted'or transplanted from now on throughout the winter.

In inland districts where very heavy frosts may be expected planting is best done" in the spring. •

In' localities where the soil is very heavy; and likely to become waterlogged in the winter the work Would be better postponed till the later period, but in warm localities round Wellington, and especially in seaside places where the soil is largely composed of sand, autumn planting is undoubtedly best as the plants have time to become established thoroughly before dry weather sets in.

Any alterations contemplated in the lay-put of the garden should be put in hand at once, and any new gardens should be got under way as soon as possible.

Cut down the old flowering stems of perennials and where the plants are to remain for another, year give a good dressing of manure and fork it in round the clumps. • •'-■