THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20264, 25 May 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. The various beds and borders should receive a general Weeds at this time are one of the most difficult crops to overhaul in readiness for the winter. Weeds should with, and soon play havoc with young seedlings be lightly dug under, and some of the shrubs par- if left unmolested. 4 . tially pruned. U the soil is in a workable condition, light digging beMichaelmas daisi.es should have the old flower stems cut tween the rows and turning the weeds under is the back to the ground. Cannas have completed their effective method of cultivation, flpwering, and may be removed to winter quarters. Good cultivation is at all times essential to encourage The planting of roses, ornamental and shelter trees, flower- healthy, vigorous growth, but is more necessary after ing shrubs, and other permanent subjects- may be the soil has become beaten by heavy rains, proceeded with, as conditions are now most flavour- * n preparing land for future sowing, the soil should be able. _ placed in the best possible condition to ensure as .Winter-flowering sweet peas sown in the open should be quick germination of the seed as possible. thinned out to from 4in. to 6in. apart, and stakes or Thin out seedling crops as they advance in growth, at other supports attached when the seedlings are about the same time transplanting and filling up any blanks 6in. hi|fh. i n the rows. Before planting, roses should be partially pruned, leaving Plant out cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, and silver beet in the final pruning until the middle of July. well-manured soil. Citrus fruits, including lemons, oranges, citrons, etc., Runner beans are now practically over, and may be cut should be planted early or left until the spring. down. Pull up the stakes and store for future use. BeAvoid planting them during the depth of the winter. ing a perennial, the roots will throw up fresh runners Mulching by frequently stirring the surface soil should and produce crocs for three or four years, though be practised on favourable occasions to break the better crops are obtained by resowing after the second crust that always forms after heavy rains. It year. sweetens the soil and stimulates growth. The gathering and placing under cover of such crops as Fallen leaves continue to litter the garden and grounds pumpkins, marrows, kumeras, and similar crops should and should be raked up weekly and removed to the no longer be delayed. This precaution is especially rubbish heap. ■ necessary in districts subject to frosts. Plant only hardy seedlings such as pansies, primula mala- In making further sowings of cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, coides, penstemons, Iceland poppies, calendulas, onions, spinach, beet, or similar crops, better results lobelias, antirrhinums, candytufts, larkspurs, godetias,, will be obtained by forming the ground into raised etc. beds. Box-ofl struck cuttings of zonal and other bedding pelar- Potato onions may still be planted. These are a very goniums, also shrubby calceolarias, mesembryanthe- productive and useful crop, as they come in at a mums, etc., for spring planting, season when other varieties are often scarce.