THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. The planting of narcissi and the other varieties of bulbs ©numerated and briefly described in to-day's note# may be proceeded with, the soil being in the best condition after the recent dry spell for their reception. The bedding out of French marigolds, petunias, phlox, zinnias, asters, verbenas, portulacas and a few other annuals for late flowering may still be done. Sow seeds in the open ground of linarias, lupins, mignonette, candytufts, scarlet linum, large-flowered calendulas, elichrysums, silene, nemophila, acrocliarum and other hardy annuals. Hardy flowering annuals sown in the open ground after the first autumn rains get a good start before the winter season commences. Summer-flowering sweet peas may be sown now and the winter flowerers raised under glass may be planted out, the soil being in fit condition. The flower beds and borders require a general overhaul after the rain. Pick ofl all dead leaves and flowers dear away annuals that are past. Tie up any plants that need support. Chrysanthemum flower buds (the second crowns) shouhi bo taken as they make their appearance. Spray as urual for caterpillars and rust. have greatly benefited by the recent copious «?n.ll* mesent a vigorous growth. Remove some "oT L braEl and attend to disbudding and Heaplug the growths tifcd up. h™. ~ndor rriass seeds of nemesias, Iceland poppies, oansies violas, primulas, sinensis, obconica malacoSes, polyanthus, primroses, carnations, Canterbury bells and others.

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. Every advantage should be taken of present conditions to sow and plant out all seasonable crops. Seeds sown at this time when there is plenty of warmth and moisture in the soil germinate quickly and make rapid growth. Every portion of the ground carrying crops should be deeply hoed or forked over. Weeds at this time grow very rapidly and need frequent hoeing to keep them under control. Tomatoes are rapidly developing and ripening thoir fruit, but still need to have all side laterals removed and the fruit sprayed to protect,them from caterpillars. Scarlet and other runner beans that have been kept watered and the pods closely picked are still cropping tt freely. Give occasional applications of manure water. Clear away all spent crops and dig the ground for future sowing. Attend to harvesting potatoes, onions, shallots and other crops as they mature and ripen. Sea that all recently planted celery and leeks aro not allowed to suffer for the want of moisture. In planting out cabbage, cauliflower or other colworts, dip the plants in a solution of arsenate of lead or Black Leaf 40. Keep a close watch upon all plants subject to the attacks of aphis and spray with the above solution. Melons that are approaching maturity will ripen belter if placed on a piece of wood, glass or other suitable material. Cucumbers must be kept well watered or they soon deteriorate and cease to fruit.