PROGRAMME OF WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21076, 9 January 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

The flower beds and borders require a general overhaul. Growth throughout the holidays has been most vigorous. Weeds, seedling and others, have grown apace. Mulching with manure, grass clippings or other suitable material is most beneficial, especially where artificial waterings are regularly applied. The mulch prevents the crust that forms after frequent waterings. Portulacas, cosmea, zinnias, scarlet salvias, French and African marigolds and petunia may still bo planted for succession. Chrysanthemums and dahlias require attention to regulating and tying up their growth, and also to mulching and watering when the soil at the roots becomes too dry. Suitable beds and other plots should be deeply dug apd manured if necessary for the reception of the first batch of anemones and ranunculi and other hardy bulbs during the first week in March. Narcissi may be planted at once, Many growers prefer replanting shortly alter the bnlb, lava?=«„ f a ° up. As a general rule, toward the end of February is a suitable time to plant. Perennial delphiniums that have completed their flowering should have the old flower stems cut back to the uround Anv that are badly affected with mildew Ed be destroyed. Kcplant delphiniums next spring in new ground. haulms.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

Deeply die and manure all ground required for sowing and planting out ol crops lor autumn and winter use. In making further sowings, deeper drills and a little more covering of the seed should be given. If sown too shallow during hot, dry weather, unless an adequate supply of moisture is maintained, many seeds fail to germinate. Cucumbers, melons and other trailing plants are in many instances attacked with aphis, and every eflort should be made by spraying to eradicate this pest. Tomatoes are now making rampant growth and need frequent attention to removing lateral growths. Spray as a preventive from fungoid disease and caterpillar. The present is a suUable time for planting out cabbage, broccoli and other colworts. Secure plants if possible free from the fly, but in any case dip the plants in a solution of arsenate of lead when planting. A row or two of leeks should bo planted. This is a very useful and wholesome winter vegetable. Like celery they require a soil that has been well enriched with manure. At this season of the year all healthy, rapid-growing plants will be greatly benefited by an occasional application of some stimulating plant food. Hoeing and keeping the soil well stirred between growing crops is most essential at this season. By this means not only are weeds more easily killed but if kept cut when small there is little or no risk of their developing seed. Keep dwarf and runner beans closely picked, in no case allowing them to mature their seed. Make further sowings for later use. Continue to spray all fruit trees subject to the attacks of fruit and leaf-eating pests Eegulate the spraying according to the weather.