PROGRAMME OF WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20112, 24 November 1928, Page 5 (Supplement)

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE FLOWER CARDEN. Seedlings and other shallow-rooting plants are beginning to leol the eflect3 of the dry weather, necessitating the stirring of the Soil around them and occasional waterings. Chrysanthemums.—With a few exceptions the planting of all varieties should be completed as soon as possible. Pinch the tops of those previously planted, and spray on the first appearance of black aphis on the young tips. Dahlias.—Continue the general planting, riace a strong stake to each plant. In digging the holes, woll loosen the subsoil and add some blood and bone manure and basic super in equal parts. Lilies that are throwing up flower stalks should bo well mulched with rotted manure, while they should also receive an occasional application of liquid manure. Carnations.—Neatly stake the flower stems, also thin out some of the numerous flower buds and keep the surface soil around the plants well stirred. The shading and airing of glass-houses and frames where pot-plants are being grown must be regularly attended to. In bedding out seedlings during dry weather make a hole with the trowel, insert the plant, place a little earth on the roots, fill tho hole with water, and when it soaks in fill up with dry earth. This helps to retain the moisture. Tako up lachenalias and narcissi and store, taking care to keep the varieties separate. Freesias, alliums and other early-flowering bulbs may also be taken up. Bed out scarlet salvias, asters, zinnias, phlox Drummondii, Trench and African marigolds, celoslas, cosmoea, and portulacas.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. All heat-loving subjects, such as egg-plants, chilis, haricot and lima beans, etc., may now be planted In well-pre-pared soils. Ground from which early potatoes have been dug should grow kumaras successfully. Early-planted tomatoes are now growing rapidly. They require to be frequently looked over, the side lateral growths removed, and the plants tied up to the supports. , . Further plantings can still be made for later crops. Continue to sow peas and beans for succession. For all futuro sowings the ground cannot be too deeply worked or too richly manured. Scarlet and other runner beans are now growing rapidly. They may need some attention in training on their supports. The spraying of potatoes, tomatoes, onions, or other plants subject to disease should not be neglected. Even though there mqy be no appearance of diseaso, spraying should be practised as a preventive. During the hot summer months, frequent and deep hoeing is an important factor in the production of vegetable crops. Mulching, where practicable, is a means of consorving moisture. Such crops as pea 3, beans, lettuce, cucumbers, melons, marrows, and others that are quickly affected by dry weather arc greatly assisted by mulching. Beforo applying the mulch, first hoe and clean around the plants. Place the material around when there is plenty of moisture in the soil. Pay special attention to tho weeding and thinning out of seedling crops.