In the Garden

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 10 September 1937, Page 7

In the Garden

SPRINGTIME OPERATIONS

TllE VEGETABLE PLOTS A sowing of leeks, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli should be made to produce plant for summer planting; sown during the present month, plants should be produced ready for transplanting during December and January. When planting cabbage and cauliflowers, press around the roots firmly. The planting out of rhubarb in wellmanured ground should be no longer delayed: young plants are now in active growth, and quickly become established. Bow celery seed for main crop. Make further sowings of peas, broad beans, turnips, carrots, spinach, leek, beet, onions for pickling, and using in the green state, lettuce, mustard and cress. Herbs that are raised from seed may still be sown, but where old roots of thyme, sage, marjoram, or others are on hand the plants may be divided and replanted in fresh ground. Parsley sown at this time will give a supply throughout the summer and autumn. In no case neglect to weed and to thin out seedling crops as soon as they are large enough to handle. When sowing lettuce, better results will he obtained if the seed is sown in well-manured ground and the plants are allowed to develop where sown. Thinning out will, of course, be necessary, and if carefully transplanted in rich brown soil, the plants may produce good hearts. Quickness of growth is what is required for this salad, and when grown without check more crisp and better-flavoured heads are obtained. Don't apply nitrate of soda too early. Manure and prepare ground for cucumbers, marrows, or pumpkins that are being raised in pots. Make sure that the plants are well hardened off before planting out. Towards the end of the present month sowings can be made of French and runner beans. Unless in warm, sheltered positions, however, little is gained by sowing until there is more warmth in the soil. Attend to the weeding and thinningout of seedling crops. This should be done as soon as they are large enough to handle, as at this stage they arc easily removed without loosening the soil. Wood ashes and soot are most beneficial to onions. Dn’t plant iliein too deep. Just cover the roots (irmly. From this time onwards salads will be in increasing demand, so that every ef- ! fort should bo made by successional sowing and planting to meet the demand.

iety of flowers choose those that are best suited for their special periods. Defer the planting of tender annuals until towards the middle and end of October. Prepare ground for the first planting of chrysanthemums about the middle of October. A surface dressing of sulphate of ammonia (31b) mixed with 81b of superphosphate per 40 square yards, and lightly forked in, is a valuable stimulant for roses at this season. Before planting seedlings of any description, have the soil well-worked and in a good state of pulverisation for their reception. A surface application of lime sweetens the soil and kills the insects and fungoid germs. Bed out ten-week and other stocks, antirrhinums, neniosias, gaillardias, dianthus, Marguerite carnations, violas, lobelias, campanulas and a few others. Weeds must be kept in check in both flower and vegetable gardens. Keep the line busy. The heavy drenching showers of spring are too severe on germinating seeds, which should be protected. If you are planting more seeds remember that boxes about three inches deep are best for this work; thy are easily handled, and stand close together. Use a sandy light compost for the seedlings: at least one-third should be leaf soil, and with most soil it is better if it is half the compost. In transplanting stocks, antirrhinums, schizanthus, and other seedlings, that are liable to coilar-roL a liberal application of lime and sulphur mixed together helps to prevent the damping-off organisms. Poppies are favourite flowers with most people. A bed or clump of well-grown plants is a gorgeous sight. Perhaps the most common are the Shirley poppies, with their manifold beautiful tints. Oriental poppies are perennial, and are amongst the best of the herbaceous plants, but need a well manured deep, cool rich root run. Where they do well they are most gorgeous subjects, producing blooms often nine inches across. Thc-re are various colours amongst them, but the original scarlet is still one of the best. Iceland poppies grow about a foot high, are of various colours, and can be used for house decoration. Poppies like a well-drained position. When plants are grown in pots it is necessary that there should be a hole in the pot, and crocks placed carefully in the bottom. Leaves, moss, or lumps of soil should be placed over the crocks, to keep them clear of soil. When the drainage becomes choked up, water takes a long time to run away, and may thus convert the water-logged soil into mud. Tlie necessary air cannot get to the roots, and the whole plant turns sickly, or may die. v

Decently-planted trees and shrubs should, if necessary, be securely staked and have the surface soil around them lightly stirred and mulched with grass clippings. (Jn the first appearance of aphides on the young, tender shoots of roses spray with blackleaf 40, adding a little soap dissolved in hot water to make it more adhesive. A second spraying about ten days after the first should he given.