IN THE GARDEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 17 June 1932, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

MID-WINTER OPERATIONS THE VEGETABLE PLOTS Operations in the garden will he somewhat limited during the next few months. All vacant plots should have been turned over and green crops planted for digging in later in the year. Where the conditions are favourable and the soil is not too wet the following vegetable seeds may he sown: Onions, carrot, parsnip, beet radish, lettuce, broad beans, early pens. The following plants are ready for setting: Onions, rhubarb, roots, asparagus, strawberries, cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce.

Artichokes are ready for digging. These are best left in the ground till required, although if it is necessary to clear the ground they can be dug and stored.

Parsley is easily grown, and also makes :a Very neat edging to the path in the vegetable garden. Sow the seed now, and thin out the plants to nine inches apart. New asparagus beds should be prepared. in place of wide beds containing three or four rows of plants, single rows are now planted. Deeply worked and well manured soil is necessary.

Seed potatoes tor early planting should be sprouted. Sprouted seed lias a three weeks’ start, of unsprouted, and any blind or weak tubers can be picked out before planting. Ground for early potatoes and peas should he prepared. A good deal of the success of early crops depends upon whether the soil is well drained. Planting on raised beds or on gentle slopes all tend to let the, surplus water drain off quickly. Of course freedom from frost, is also a factor, but free drainage is the principle to achieve. The slug at this season is one of the greatest pests of the garden. Every effort should be made to keep the ground free from weeds or other debris, in which they can hide. Cabbage and such like, will receive benefit from having the soil pulled up to the stalks; it riot, only keeps the filunls firm, but it helps to throw ofT surplus water and keeps the roots drier.

Drains and water channels should lie kept open to ensure the surplus water gets away quickly without flooding. This is a good time to go over the tool shed and give a good clean up and overhaul. Tools should he thoroughly cleaned, sharpened and oiled. The wooden handles of spades, hoes, etc., last much longer if given a coating of linseed oil occasionally. Rhubarb is very easy of cultivation It succeeds best in rich, dee]) soil well dug and drained. Plenty of rotted stable manure trenched under the roots makes all the difference between good and bud stems. Rhubarb is a gross feeder and requires plenty of water and soil manure. The roots rarely suffer from any disease, and so long as flic crowns are kept free from for a long period. ’MIDST THE FLOWERS For table decoration the gailhirdia is hard to heal. The flowers are on long if water in the vases is changed. For choice the double-quilled species is recommended.

The planting of ornamental, evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, including shelter trees, hedge plants, roses and other permanent shrubs may he proceeded with. Deciduous trees and shrubs need no previous preparation. At the time of removal , take them up with as little injury to their roots as possible. Primula malaeoides, a pretty mauve flower used with nemesia strumosa, makes a fine display bedded together and flowers for weeks on end from August. Now is the time to prepare for the propagation of Chrysanthemum plants by taking oil' cuttings in shallow trays and the rooted suckers in trays or in lads in the open. Where the chrysanthemums are placed here and there in the mixed border the host system is to carefully lift them with the soil attached to the roofs, and to replant them closely together in a place where the soil is fairly dry and take cuttings off when ready. Cuttings of many shrubs, especially deciduous kinds, can he made during wet days. After making heel them in wet moss or soil, and they can lie kept until the soil is in lit condition for planting. Polyanthus, primuses, escheverias, and box edgings can be taken up and replanted. All kind of “live” edgings get ragged after a season or so, and should he renovated occasionally. Bulbs are showing through the ground, and where weeds are showing dig between the rows of bulbs with a digging fork. Just skim off two or three inches of the surface soil and turn it ovei.

Prune your rose trees before any new growth starts. Cut away all dead wod and thin out any unnecessary brunches. Use sharp secateurs and make a good clean cut, always cutting to tin* outside lmd.

Keep tin' hoe constantly busy unions Hu* (lower beds. 'This will help to dry up 11m* soil and so prevent dumping oil’. ('antc.rbury bell and foxglove arc much alike. They carry spikes of bcllsliaped (lowers, and make t.lie showing if massed. Polyanthus and pprimroses are also alike. They are best used as borders.

Plant the following flower seeds in pans or shallow trays:—Cineraria, stocks, Iceland poppy, pansy, gaillardia. calliopsis, nemesia and antirrhinum.

The following can be sown in (dumps or drilled along borders in sheltered spots:—Mignonette, linaria, alssum Virginian stock. Pose trees and all ornamental shrubs may lie planted from .Tune till August. Plenty ot well-rooted leaves or stable manure trenches under the plants will give the best results. Lawns showing signs of moss should be limed with air slaked coolie lime This will sweeten the ground and kill out the moss. Blood and bone and superphosphate are the best topdressing manures for present use. ■Rockeries are now 1 yoking bare and dismal. Cut back the finished geraniums and untidy looking plants. Fill up the spaces with bright annuals for spring flowering.

The gardener who looks a long way off is now busy at work, for many (If the flowers whieh make the next spring show are asking attention. Foremost in this line are aipiilegia (known as Worried hv falling hair? Use Brice’s Special Strength Regenerator at once. 5/6 from Nccs. Ltd.. Chemists. Tbmly-st.

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