THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20982, 19 September 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. " / «■ Continue to take off and insert chrysanthemum cuttings and pot or box oft any that are rooted. Take off rooted suckers from around the old plants and plant in a separate bed, in rows closely together, and name. Take ofl dahlia cuttings when the new shoots are about two inches long. Insert them in pots or shallow plant-trays, in loamy soil, with half-an-inch of sand on the surface. Place in the greenhouse or glass .frame and shade. Bougainvilleas, bignonias, solanums, passion flowers, tacsonias Bnd other evergreen climbing plants should be planted during this and next month. Oranges, lemons and other varieties of citrus succeed best planted at this season or in the autumn, but not during the winter, when the soil is wet and cold. Azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and kalmias may be successfully planted at this season. Specially prepared holes are necessary in retentive soils with a clay subsoil. Thorough drainage is- absolutely essential. A selection of Japanese flowering cherries greatly adds to the appearance of the garden and grounds when they are laden with the greatest profusion of beautiful blossoms. Plant at once, before they come into leaf. Eucalyptus ficifolia, the scarlet-flowering gum, is an extremely popular and most desirable gorgeous flowertree that should be planted now. Small pot-grown plants are the best. Acacias are easily-grown, free-flowering ornamental shrubs and trees. The variety elata or cedar wattle grows into a splendid tree with beautiful foliage. Acacias do well planted in the spring. Each plant should be staked, even if they are small. Complete the planting of permanent trees and flowering shrubs, bamboos, also hedge plants, roses, and other permanent subjects.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. Prom this time onward no effort should bo spared to stock the garden with every variety of seasonable crops. In sowing or planting the condition of the soil is an allimportant matter in the success attained. Too much attention cannot be given tQ manuring and preparation of the soil. Seeds sown in drills afford better facilities for working the soil ( keeping down weeds, thinning, and applying fertilisers. Plant cabbages, potatoes, onions, rhubarb, asparagus, artichokes, lettuce, silver beet and other crops in previously well-prepared ground. Make sowiDgs of peas, broad beans, turnips, carrots, parsnips, onions, spinach, beet, lettuce, parsley, radishes, mustard and cress. Secure branches or stakes in readiness for staking peas and other crops needing support. Small tea trees, secured and laid flat with a light pressure laid over it, makes an excellent support for peas. For scarlet and other runner beans a few strong uprights and wire-petting makes an effective and lasting support. Tomatoes that have been raised for early planting should be placed outside to thoroughly harden before being planted. A sowing of celery may be made for early planting. Sow in shallow boxes filled with fairly rich sifted soil and place under glass. Earth up and spray potatoes as they advance in growth. Also earth up cabbages, cauliflowers, peas, beans, and other crops that are benefited by this treatment. Tomatoes intended for the main crop should be sown. Sow in boxes or pans and place in greenhouse or a warm frame.