THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20306, 13 July 1929, Page 27 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

THE FLOWER GARDEN Outdoor gardening oporations necessitating treading upon the soil have practically been at a standstill during the pa3t fortnight. The clipping of hedges composed of Cupressus macrocarpa, lawsoniana, junipers, and othor conifers may be proceeded with irrespective of weathor conditions. A suitable covering to save cinerarias from frosts consists of empty flower pots turned upside down over the plants. Struck cuttings of bedding and rockery plants should bo boxed-oil into shallow p'.ant tray 3 to establish for spring planting. Green fly, or aphis, me.ily bugs. and. red spider, require careful watching at this.season. Fumigate or spray. The secret of success in growing pot-plants is to keep the foliage clean and healthy. Ee-pot cinerarias when necessary. Attend to regular watering, and givo an occasional dose cf liquid manure. An ideal liquid manure as a general stimulant for pot plants may be obtained by dissolving half an ounce each of nitrato ot potash ar?d phosphate of potash iu a gallon of water. Dahlias.— Complete the taking up and drying and storing. Whore the clumps are very large and cumbersome, some of the tubers may be cut oil. Remove all coil from among the tubers. Successions sowings of flower seeds for spring planting must bo attended to, including first sowings of phlex Drummondii, dianthns, coreopsis of sorts, miniature • sunflower, verbenas, and other suitable varieties.

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

A slight sprinkling of nitrate of soda or superphosphate on beds of cabbages, cauliflowers, spinach, lettuce, and other green vegetables before hoeing or loosening the soil will bo beneficial.

Keep a close watch upon potato sets. Do not allow the shoots to advanco too lar before planting. Peas that are above ground v/ill require to be frequently dusted with lime to protect them from siugs. The later the lime can bo applied, tiie more slugs will bo killed,

A row or two of autumn-sown onions should be planted lor early uso in well-prepared soil. Wood ashes or soot cau bo incorporated in the soil. In digging up land not required for immediate use, leave • it rough to sweeten.

When digging or trenching, avoid bringing the clay subsoil to the surface. Though little cultivation is possible while the soil is sodden, weeding and working the soil must be resumed immediately the soil is in a workable condition. At this season, no rubbish should be leit on the ground to harbour slugs and other posts. Onions in store should be frequently looked over. When required for use, select the bulbs that show the least signs of keoDing. Should any bulbs be required for seed purposes, the best-shaped ones should be selected. In raising lettuce at this season, the safest plan is to sow in boxes in good, rich soil, and place in a frame. Failing this, a warm, sheltered position, free from slugs, should bo choson.