THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20514, 15 March 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

'PROGRAMME OE WORK,

t THE FLOWSR GARDEN. Dahlias are the flowers oi the day. Attend to disbudding, keeping the plants free from caterpillars by spraying and hand'picking. Also well water during dry weather. Chrysanthemums also need special attention as the flower buds are developing. Frequently spray for rust and caterpillars. Mulch around the plants and regularly water during dry weather, plant anemones, ranunculi, narcissi, freesias, ixias, babianas, tritonias, sparaxis, iris and other hardy spring-flowering bulbs, Lilies have mostly completed their flowering. Allow., the old flower stems to die off naturally. Most varieties are best left in the ground. Place a mark to the clumps to denote their whereabouts. T!ie early-flowering kinds of Michaelmas daisies provide ' /the greatest profusion of showy blossoms. They become dry at the roots and should be occasionally soaked with water. Saving' seeds of various annuals for resowing at the proper time is an interesting subject. Only save seeds from the very best flowers.' Raising seedlings of Iceland poppies, cinerarias, pansies, primula obconica, nemesiss, delphiniums, .beauty stocks, calendulas, etc.—boxing off and forcing •them on for early planting are necessary., pot off struck cuttings of hydrangeas, perpetual carna- " tions and pelargoniums and any other perennials that have rooted, including fuchsias Cyclamens, Chinese primulas, herbaceous calceolarias, ' cinerarias, coleus and other soft-wooded pot plants should have an occasional dose of liquid manure

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. In preparing ground for future cropping means should be taken to replenish the soil with the materials absorbed by the previous crop. Any land not required for autumn cropping and that has : become deficient in humus should be deeply dug over, given a good dressing of lime, and iiown down in lupin or other green crops for turning under. Tomatoes still require to be sprayed as a protection from fungoids and caterpillars. As the season advances the fruit is slow in ripening and is better gathered as soon as the fruit is partly coloured and placed in a dry, fairly darkened place. Rock melons approaching the ripening stage will progress better and be less liable to injury by slugs: and other pests if placed upon pieces of board, glans or other material. Manure water can be given with advantage to runner beans and other crops still making growth. Keep the trenches of celery and leeks well provided with moisture and all weeds removed, but defer earthing until the plants are well advanced in growth. Make further sowings of carrots, turnips,, parsnips, turnip-rooted beets, lettuce, spinach, garden swede, onions, parsley and other herbs. Plant out cabbage, cauliflower and other colworts. Before planting dip the plants in a solution of arsenate of . lead or Black Leaf 40. Attend to thinring of all recently-raised crop;? and keep the soil between the, rows frequently stirrod. Fruit trees subject to the attacks of leech and other leafeating pdsts should still be sprayed.