THE GARDEN.

Manawatu Times, Volume XII, Issue 1807, 4 May 1921, Page 9

THE GARDEN.

The season lias again arrived ror preparing for the general planting of what are termed permanent trees, shrubs and other plants for various purposes, including those for ornamental and break-wind hedges; and also for the removal of any shrubs that at present occupy positions that arc unsuitable and have to be removed,to other places, lu the removal of an evergreen trees and shrubs a certain amount of preparation is necessary by digging around them in a circle to cut some of the roots. This is calico wrenching, and should be done three or four weeks before removing the plant. VEGETABLE-GROWING. At this season of the year all young seedling crops require very special attention. It is after a period of dry weather followed by successive showers that weeds spring up apace, and in most instances grow much more rapidly than most of the sown crops. It is at this time that they need the most care, as the weeds, if neglected, not only weaken the young plants, but rob them of much of their food. To keep weeds under control, frequent hoeing and hand-weeding are necessary. Hoeing, in fact, should be done whenever the soil is in a suitable condition for working, for by keeping a nice loose surface, not only arc weeds kept in check, but it allows the air and warmth to penetrate the soil and invigorate root growth. But while this is particularly necessary with plants during the earlier stages of growth, it is equally essential with plants that are more advanced; or, in fact, until they are matured and ready for use.

THINNING SEEDLING VEGETABLES.

Thinning is an important operation with seedling vegetable crops, and it is especially necessary that thinning should be done as soon as the plants are large enough to handle. The reason for this is obvious, as the more hardy and sturdy the plants are the more chance they have to thrive during the cold, w r et -weather. This can best be attained by thinning out early and allowing enough space between each for the plants to grow and develop according to the varieties grown.

PLANTING OPERATIONS. J

The planting pf potato pnions can be made any time now until the end of May. The bulbs should be planted simply in rows about 2ft apart and the sets placed about 12in apart in the rows. This variety is easily grown and is valuable for early use. Shallots, too, may now be planted. These should be planted in rows from 12in to Isin apart, and the single bulbs placed about Sin apart in the rows. In planting, the bulbs should not be covered but pressed into the soil till they arc about three parts buried. A sowing of broad beans should now be made. Plants raised now come into flower early in spring and escape the ravages of the humble bee, which plays such havoc with the flowers of sprinsown plants. i WORKING SOIL AFTER CROPS. French beans are now practically over, and may be taken out unless where seed is being allowed to ripen. Tomatoes, too, .are rapidly on the wane. The fruit should be gathered as soon as it shows signs of colour and placed on a warm, dry shelf. Ground on which pumpkins, marrows, and melons have been grown should, as soon as the crops are removed, bo well manured and deeply dug. As a' rule hills for these plants are jdaced at considerable distances apart, so that the ground between has had a fair rest and should, if well treated, be in excellent condition for planting of early potatoes, providing the situation is suitable. Any ground that has been cleared of crops and that is not required for present sowing or planting should be dug up roughly to allow the air to penetrate and sweeten the soil, or if not needed before the spring, is better sown in oats or other green crop. Most soils that have been kept under crop for any length of time arc wanting in humus, but by occasionally digging under a good green crop much of their fertilising properties > are restored. ASPARAGUS BEDS. 1 Asparagus beds will soon require attention. As soon as the tops are ripe they should be cut down to within lin or 2in of the soil and the refuse removed and burned. The beds should then be thoroughly cleared of weeds and the surface soil slightly broken up. In doing this, however, care must bo taken not to approach too near the crowns. The mulching of the beds is better deferred until early spring, as it tends to keep the roots too- cold and sodden during the wet winter mouths.