THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11200, 21 October 1899, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

Chrtsaxtheoths: From about the middle of tho present month until the first week in November is, as a general rule, the best time to transplant the young rooted plants that have been grown in pots or boxes as previously recommended. In growing or the production of show blooms, the preparation of the soil in the beds where it is intended to plant must first receive attention. Until within the last few years our growers hare had no previous experience to guide them in the cultivation of their plants in the open ground, and have erred in making the soil before planting too rich w'.th stable manures, resulting in tho production of sappy, long-jointed growths vr.ih a tendency to leaf diseases; whereas the aim should be to produce hard, shgr . t ' Jo " lt ® 1 c wood, and keep the plants as. dwarf as each particular variety will admit, and have them well furnished with foliage to the ground. This can be accomplished by judicious preparation of tho soil, selection of the ants, and firm planting. The situation should be fully exposed to the sun. Preparation of the soil: If in fairly good condition, very little stable manure need be used. A light Awing of bonedust scattered over the surla (after it has been dug) and lightly hoed in will be sufficient, In selecting the plants, nick out small healthy dwarf ones. Uooso a day for planting when the soil is comparatively dry, and make it very firm bv treading. Ram the fin.- soil down hard around each olant at '.he time of planting. By strict attention tJ those particulars a good start will be' -nado. For the convenience of staking and tending them during the various stages of growth and developinont, the plants should be arranged in rows from 24ft to 3ft apart, and about 12in apart between the plants in the rows. In aying out allow for a path after overy second row, making the distance fully 3ft between tiie second and third rows, and so 011 in succession. The plot is thus thrown into beds with two lines of plants to each. Alter planting, a littlo lime dusted over the surface will help to sweeten the soil and keep down insects. When the same plot of ground is made use of for growing chrysanthemums in for more than two years in succession, it will bo necossory to add some fresh fibrous turfy soil to enliven the old. Instructions will be given about the aftertreatment of the plants from time to time as the season and their growth demands. In planting for border decoration and cutting from, choose suitable varieties for the purpose. No particular care is necessary in the preparation of the soil after the plants have attained about 6in in height. Their tops should bo pinched off to encourage dwarf bushy heads. Tho filling up the beds and borders by the planting of summer flowering annuals and biennials, names of which have already been enumerated, must be attended to, at tho same time reserving spaces for dahlias.

THE KITCHEN GABDEN. Favoured by good growig weather, crops in this department aro in splendid com.ition. The hoes should be kept sum;: to kill weeds and loosen the surface soil. Potatoes, rows of peas, beans, cabbages, and cauliflowers should be earthed up when sufficiently grown. Frequently stirring the soil acts as a mulch, and is of great assistance to the crops. The sowing of melons, cucumbers, watermelons, piomelons, and squash seeds should be attended to at once. Cucumbers may also be transplanted out cf pots or boxes into warm sunny positions, protecting the plants until properly established ; removing the protection when the weather becomes warmer at nights. Tomatoes should now be largely planted; the soil is at present in good condition for their reception. Make sowings ol beet and parsnips for main crop. Capsicums or chillies may be planted out about the end of the month. A few aro useful for flavouring pickles, and the plants are most ornamental in appearance when laden with a profusion of fruit. THE GREENHOUSE. The general spring potting of all greenhouse plants should now bo proceeded with on every favourable opportunity. The increasing heat of the sun and consequent rise ill the temperature of the house has started most plants into rapid growth. Many of the most tender subjects that lmve remained inactive for months are again breaking into healthy growth. In potting these, the old soil should lie shaken free from the roots, and repotted in as small pots as the roots can bo conveniently placed into without crowdin?. By doing this, new roots form very quickly, and the plants renewed. Plants, ton, that have become sickly and fail to make growth can often be quite renewed by this treatment, As soon as healthy growth is again established they should be repotted, placing them into one size larger pots, and so on as they advance in growth. This rule in potting is important, and would, if carefully followed, save many failures in plant culture. Another important matter is providing good drainage, so that all surplus water can escape unchecked. Watering, too, is an operation requiring special care. Plants like animals, require water only when they are thirsty, and then they require sufficient to quench their thirst. The safest rule to follow in watering is to water when the soil on the surface shows signs of dryness, but nevor while the soil is already soaked with moisture. Ferns are now growing rapidly, and will require careful watohing. At this season of the year the slugs are very destructive to the young fronds, particularly those of the Adiantum (or Maidenhair) varieties. A pood preventive 5s to place some tobacco dust immediately around the crown. This will protect them from injury from these pests. Gloxinias, tuberous begonias, and other tuberous and bulbous plants are again underway, Begonias, as soon as they are started, should be repotted. First shako the old soil free from the roots, being careful not to injure any of the now fibres, and repot in a good rich compost of loam, consisting of decomposed manure or leaf mould, and silver sand. The tubrous begonia is undoubtedly one of the best of all summer and autumn flowering plants for greenhouse decoration. It is hardy, of easy culture, and will adapt itself to almost any situation, whether it be for greenhouse, window, or verandah culture. Gloxinias require more careful cultivation than the begonia, but the magnificent display produced from woll-grown plants amply repay for the extra care and labour bestowed. To grow the gloxinias successfully, the plants require to bo grown in the same temperature from the timo they are started into growth until they flower, a moderately close, moist temperature being the most suitable for their culture. Fluctuations of temperature are fatal to healthy growth. The greenhouse will now need some shade during the hottest part of the day. Movable blinds are by far the most suitable for this purpose, as they can be removed every evening or in dull weather, so that the plants can ha»'e the full benefit of the light. . Kepos.