THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20792, 7 February 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

The propagation -of mesembryanthemums, zonale and other pelargoniums, perpetual carnations and several other perennial bedding plants from cuttings may be proceeded with. • Michaelmas daisies, golden rods, golden glows, and other herbaceous plants require their flower stems neatly arranged and tied up. For zinnias place a light stake to each plant. Salvias, petunias, phlox Drummondii, asters, portulacas, feathered cockscombs, French and African marigolds, amaranthus and zinnia, may still be planted for autumn flowering. Sow seeds of winter flowering sweet peas, and a few varieties of very hardy annuals for winter and spring flowers. Prepare plots for anemones, rananculi, narcissi, and other hardy early-flowering bulbs. Take the buds of chrysanthemums as they make their appearance the first crowns in varieties that are thin petalled. The second crowns are the most reliable and the ones generally selected. Dahlias are flowering profusely. Disbud to improve the size and form of the flowers. Thin out some of the side branches, keep the plants carefully tied up, mulch and liberally water during dry weather. Mulch chrysanthemums and spray regularly to control rust and caterpillars with the 6-4-40 formula Bordeaux mixture, adding a little arsenate of lead paste for caterpillars. Caterpillars are becoming troublesome on dahlias and are also prevalent on asters and zinnias. Spray with arsenate of lead paste, one tablespoonful to the gallon of water.

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN,

To obtain the greatest success in vegetable culture, one of the first things to learn is the value of thorough and deep cultivation. Practically all vegetables suitable for summer raising have a preference ior a fairly rich soil, heavily charged with humus produced by the incorporation of decayed vegetable matter. To keep a succession of vegetables care must be exercised in timing the sowings, regulating them according to the varieties treated. Some vegetables mature much more quickly than others, and remain but a few weeks in a condition of usefulness. Crops, for instance, such as peas, dwarf beans, turnips, spinach, and lettuce. Most of these, with the exception of late varieties of peas, if sown in good soil usually take from about 65 to 75 days to develop. Radishes, from 4to 6 weeks; mustard, and cress, 2 to 3 weeks. Recently-sown crops will need special attention, as the recent warm showers and heat in the soil have resulted in rapid growth, so that weeding and thinning must in no case be neglected. Tomatoes are now making phenomenal growth. Keep all side growth well under control and shorten back any foliage that shades the bunches of fruit. In no case neglect to keep dwarf and runner beans closely picked. These now develop their crop very rapidly, and require to be gathered almost daily. If the ripened seed of' these or other crops is required to be saved, mark the plants showing the distinctive qualities required. Sowings can be made of carrots, parsnips, turnips, spinach, round beet, silver beet, lettuce, parsley, and other useful crops. Continue to transplant celery, and leeks, in well-manured and prepared soil.