THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20722, 15 November 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

the flower garden. The prevalence of boisterous winds and low temperatures for the time of tho year has delayed the planting of tender bedding plants and some of the summer-flower-ing annuals. Attend to tho general planting of chrysanthemums. Keep a lookout for black aphis and spray on first appearance. Gishurst's Compound is an effective spray. Froceed with the planting of dahlias. Dig good deep holes, loosen up tho subsoil and refill, mixing a handful of bonedust with the soil. At the time of planting, always attach a stout stake to each dahlia plant Staking later is likely to interfere with tho new roots! Sow aster seeds in the open in clumps or rows, or transplant good healthy plants from plant trays. Liberally lime the soil before planting or sowing. Iceland poppies that have about completed their flowering should bo dug under. Pick off spent rose blooms, spray for aphis if necessary and stir tho surface soil in the beds. Bed out zinnia, phlox Drummondii, scarlet salvias, petunias, verbenas, penstemons, marguerite carnations! French and African marigolds, coreopsis, etc. Zinnias require to be staked as well as tall-growing African marigolds and perennial delphiniums and annual larkspurs that are coming into flower. Harcissi that have ripened may be taken up. Lift Iris Tingitana also tulips and hyacinths as the foliage begins to ripen off. Fed out fibrous-rooted begonias and also tuberous-rooted varieties as soon as the atmosphere becomes warmer and more uniform.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. The weather has continued cold and unfavourable for sowing or planting many of the more tender crops. Thoroughly prepare and place tho ground in the best possible condition for planting as soon as more favourable conditions prevail. Look over early-sown aucumbers, marrows, pumpkins, melons, and replace any failures by resowing. The planting out of well-hardened tomato plants may now be proceeded with, but even yet some protection may be necessary if planted in exposed positions. From this time onward, frequent and deep cultivation of tho soil is an important factor in the success attained with all crops of vegetables. Prepare the ground in readiness for planting out kumaras. Ground from which early potato crops have been taken should be in good tilth for this crop. In no case noglect to earth-up and stake peas, runner beans and other crops needing support. Scarlet runners should be staked soon after they appear above ground. Thin seedling crops, the distance apart being regulated by the variety and size the plants attain. Autumn-sown broad beans should now be developing their crops. At thi3 time pinching oil a portion of tho top assists the pods to develop and is a means of checking the attacks of black aphis. Spray potatoes, tomatoes, onions and other crops subject to diseases. Prevention is better than cure, and spraying should in no case be delayed until the plants are affected.