SEASONABLE WORK

Evening Star, Issue 22881, 12 February 1938, Page 21

SEASONABLE WORK

THE FLOWER GARDEN Many of tho summer annuals are nearly over. They have been extremely good everywhere. One of the most successful of the summer flowering plants —and . even iat this stage it is beautiful—has been tho lovely little dwarf gem petunia. These plants love the dry conditions. There is at the present tiiqe a lovely border of these in the garden of Mr George Adess, Moana Crescent. They have been flowering for a considerable time, and will carry on until the frost cuts them down. Where the beds and borders are becoming vacant bulbs can be planted at once. This will mean getting a show in the early spring.

Anemones should be planted not more than 2in deep and about 6in apart. Give a sunny position if possible. Crocus, 2iu in depth and 6in apart. Freesias, 2in and 6in. Ranunculus, 2in and 9in._ Spanish iris, 2in and Bin._ Tritonias, 2in and 6in. Muscarii, 2in and Gin. Ixias, 2in and 6in. Lachenalias, 2in and 4in. Hyacinths, 4in and 7in. Daffodils, 4in and 9in. Tulips, 4in and 6in. Babianas, 2in and 6in. And Watsonias, 4in deep and 9in apart. The above will act as a guide when planting. Bulbs are sometimes planted too deeply, especially in the case of anemones and freesias. Darwin tulips would lie better planted in Dunedin and district next months Chrysanthemums will need extra attention just now, as the time has arrived when buds have, to be taken. I notice, ns a result of the favourable weather that ~e have been having, that the plants aie showing their crown buds. From now on these buds must be secured; that is, large flowering Japanese, etc. When taking the bud it is not wise to remove all the side growths at once. These should be removed at intervals covering several days. After the buds have been taken a weak liquid food should be given the plants, and then for an interval of a few days clean water only should be applied until the buds commence to swell. Exhibition singles and decoratives should not have their buds taken until about the end of the month, or else the blooms will be coarse, with large eyes, and out “of all proportion to the surrounding petals or florets. Pansies, wallflowers, Canterbury bells, hollyhocks, etc., which were sown in seed beds earlier will need transplanting into prepared beds to grow on to take the place of the summer flower plants when they are over. Plenty of space should be allowed between the plants when pricking out, as this will mean strong, well-grown plants when they are transplanted into their permanent quarters later. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN The seed mentioned below should be sown as soon as possible in Dunedin and district if they are to be a success. Where the soil is dry the seed should be watered in the drills before covering in. Use the rose on the water can. By this method germination will be quick and the young seedlings will not be checked in any way by. the dry conditions. Sow carrots (early varieties), beet (tnrnip-rooted), silver beet, kohl rabi, onions (Giant Rocca and Brown Spanish, for transplanting later), peas (early varieties only), spinach, turnips (Golden Ball), parsley, and lettuce. Continue to plant, as potatoes and other crops are cleared, broccoli, cauliflower, savoys, drumhead cabbage, and borecole. Leeks placed into prepared trenches or well-manured beds should be planted without delay. Early planted celery and leeks will need a little artificial manure or lime worked in around the plants before the soil is pulled in. All weeds should be cleared before the manure or lime is applied. Shallots are ripening off very quickly. These should be lifted and stored away into a dry, cool store for winter use. The onion beds will need plenty of liquid manure at this stage to swell the bulbs. Climatic conditions haye been ideal for onion growing this season, and good, well-ripened bulbs should be found in many gardens. The hoe is the best tool to be used between crops at this stage. It is more beneficial than a hose pipe. THE VINERY All the ventilation possible should be given at this stage, but should the weather become cold at nights then the front ventilators should be closed. It is essential now the berries are colouring that plenty of fresh air be given. Liquid manure in all forms should be applied at once. If mildew should appear dust the affected parts with flower of sulphur. It can be applied with a hall of cotton wool. F.S.P,