WORK IN THE GARDEN.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 17, 18 November 1927, Page 8

WORK IN THE GARDEN.

(By "Old Timer.")

After the dry month of October the welcome rain and showery weather of this month is proving very beneficial to the young spring crops and to the flower gardens. Vegetation is now in full growth and the gardens of this fertile valley are looking their best. At no season of the year is it too important to give free use to the hoe as during this month of November; by keeping the surface soil free and loose the beneficial action of the dews at night is accelerated. Equally important are hoeing - following all heavy rains, which level or beat down the surface of the soil and so neutralise such results. Beyond which, seedling weeds form at such a season following all rains, and hence hoeing has a dual or triple effect. Where tender vegetables are in constant demand, it will be desirable during showery periods this month to make small sowings of early horn carrots, turnips, radish, spinach, lettuce, etc., where required. Continue to sow for succession peas, French beans, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussell sprouts, vegetable marrows, pumpkins, etc. Potatoes may still be planted for main or late crops. Earth up early potato crops. First of all hoe deeply on both sides of each row. then draw such loosened soil well up to the sides. Immediately plants from the early sowings of cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, etc., are large enough, thin the largest ones out from ■ amongst their kind and transplant them permanently or in nursery beds; thin out carrots, parsnips, turnips and all kindred vegetables. This is very necessary to produce good roots; this is best done in cloudy or showery weather. The chief object in all good vegetable growing should be to give all a free and uninterrupted growth throughout. IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. By the time this appears in print most amateurs and garden lovers will have planted up their vacant plots or flower beds, or have m&de up their minds as to the way they intend planting them. In well-arranged gardens this matter is decided ft considerable time beforehand, *hd arrangements made for the plants required, to carry out their scheme. With the advent of new homes being built and finished daily in this Valley, delays, in gardening operations are obvious, but with care and attention to details, planting of annuals, perennials, bulbs, etc., can be carried on successfully most months of the year. The success of bedding plants, after being planted out, depends very much on two thijigs—that is, the previous preparation which the beds have received, and the healthy state of the plants at the time they are transferred to the beds or borders. The present time and weather is ideal for planting out chrysanthemums, gladioli, and dahlias. The latter is a gross feeder and if fine flowers are required the soil in which the plants are to grow must be made very rich. Plant four feet apart: three or four spadefuls of soil should be taken out, and the same quantity of rotten manure added, mixing it thoroughly with the soiL Then planting should be done, placing some fine soil about the roots, and pressing the whole firmly about them. At the time of planting a centre stake should be placed against each plant.