THE GARDEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 13 April 1945, Page 3

THE GARDEN

Seasonal Notes for Amateurs AUTUMN OPERATIONS

Slowly earth up celery and leeks and when hoeing between rows of broccoli i and Brussels sprouts draw the earth around the stems to act as a support. i Late tomatoes are ripening slowly this year and if the ground is particularly J wanted the whole plant may be iemoved and hung in a shed for the . fruit to ripen. Cauliflowers arid spring cabbage may be set out. They should be put in firmly in good quality soil | previously manured. Try to pick a ; situation that gets some sun and is not . in shade too much during the winter s and early spring. Vacant ground should j be deeply dug and left rough or else ■ sown in lupin or oats. There will be | little more large scale planting before , the winter sets in but do not overlook , reserving sufficient space for broad beans. Remember that some shelter for these is desirable and that they will shade plants growing on the south of them. Harvest marrows and pumpkins as they ripen before the frost can catch them. Store only matured gourds that are free from any defects. A sowing of carrots for early spring use may be made now in good soil. Early horn is a good variety and another which is increasing in popularity as a good cropper is Chantenay. The situation in which carrots are to be sown should be one where there is a good drainage and some sunlight. Earlier sown root crops should be thinned down considerably as winter growing crops must have plenty of room if they are to mature. THE FLOWERS Discontinue giving liquid manure to chrysanthemums when the buds show colour. Disbud any late blooming plants. Plant more bulbs of ranunculus and anemone to provide a succession of flowers. Seedlings of all the hardy perennials may be set out as may Canterbury. Bells and cuttings' of pansies, violas, penstemons and geraniums. Early sweet peas may be sown now. All spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils. tulips, hyacinths, crocuses and early flowering gladioli should be in the ground by now.