Gardening News & Notes

Northern Advocate, 27 November 1948, Page 2

Gardening News & Notes

Vegetables

Poisonous Plant

Flowers

Early Carrots

Hot dry weather may be expected now, but at time of writing it is cold and showery. It is useless to sow and plant vegetables during the summer unless plenty of water is available. A green crop dug' in will help to conserve moisture. A trench dug and filled with weeds and garden refuse will also help. Compost and well rotted manure dug in the plants and hold moisture. In gardens which have not a supply of water during the summer months, it is a good plan to sow oats or mustard for digging-in in the autumn, ready for planting cabbages, cauliflower and sowing seed for winter vegetables. The green crop may fail if the weather is very dry, but it is worth a trial. Dig in bonedust before sowing green crop. Bonedust is slow in acting and will be available for the autumn plants. ” If the soil is poor rake in blood and bone to feed the green crop. The green crop will kill grass grubs when it is dug in. Mustard is especially good for this purpose. If the necessary attention is given, the following may still be planted: Kumaras, tomatoes, lettuce, marrows, and pumpkins, leeks, celery, egg plant, cabbage and cauliflower. The following seeds may be sown under good conditions: Peas, beans, beetroot, silver beet, tomato, turnips, sweetcorn, lettuce, leeks, cabbage and cauliflower.

Carrots from early spring sowing should be ready for the first thinning, the small carrots being large enough to cook. Carrots may expect trouble at this season. Aphis may be thick underneath the leaves. Carrot fly also arrives at this season. DDT powder may be a cure. Sand or sawdust soaked in paraffin and' sprinkled along the rows near the carrots is said'to keep away the carrot fly. Kerosene emulsion is good. If it is a case of kill or cure a stronger dose of kerosene may be given. The foliage may be burnt but may recover. To make kerosene emulsion place a gallon of water on the stove to heat. Finely cut into it lib of common soap. When the soap is dissolved take off the stove and add two gallons of kerosene. Churn for 10 minutes or longer, using the spray pump for the purpose. ■ When cool, the mixture sets like a jelly. When required for use dilute with 15 parts of water. This is a summer spray and may be used on plants in leaf. This is a good spray for scale insects, aphides, leaf hoppers, etc.

Cnions generally need a little assistance at the ripening stage. When the bulbs are full grown give the leaves a slight twist near the neck of the bulb, and turn the leaves down to the ground.. Any seed heads should be removed. A dusting of dry sulphur when the foliage is damp will prevent mildew. Lime sulphur spray is also good. ,

Rhubarb seed may be sown now in boxes or the open ground. Plant the seedlings into really good soil as soon as they are large enough. Finch out the tips of marrows, pumpkins, etc., to encourage lateral growths.

Considerable quantities of the poisonous weed known as horsebane (Oenanthc Fimpinelloides). A member of the hemlock family are to be found in Whangarei. This noxious growth, which is often mistaken for horse carrot, may be identified by the long thin green stalks, the frail grass-like leaves, and the white blooms which look like very small cauliflowers.

The most notable identification feature of this plant is the peculiarly shaped roots, each root having a hard knob almost at the end.

Gladioli are at their best just noW. If seed is not wanted cut the faded flower head off just below the first flower. Leave the leaves to die down naturally. Gerberas are in full bloom. The petals are often eaten by the bronze bettle. Spray with arsenate of lead. Sweet peas have finished flowering in many gardens. The tops should be burnt as they are 'generally diseased. The roots should be dug in as they contain nitrogen.

Delphiniums are at the height of their flowering season. A teaspoonful of sulphate of iron scattered on the ground abqut the plants will help the colour of the flowers and foliage and strengthen the plant generally. A dusting of sulphur when the foliage is damp will check mildew. Kainit is a good manure for delphiniums when it is available. A mulch of sea grass is also beneficial. Cyclamen should be dried off slowly. The corms should not be allowed to become dust-dry during the summer months. Put the corms in a shady place for the summer. Sprinkle with napthaline to keep insects away. Shrubs which have flowered during winter and spring may be layered now.

Seeds may still be sown of French and African marigolds, celosia, cosmos, and zinnias. They will need attention to bring them to perfection at this season.

Plants of the following and many others should be cut back when they have finished flowering. Argentine pea, agerstum, carnations, sweet william, alonsoa, daisy irises, verbena, calceolaria, rock roses and ice plants.