THE HOME GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21159, 16 April 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN.

PROGRAMME OF WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. Prepare all evergreen trees and shrubs by a proper system of wrencbtn? to ensure tbeir safe removal for transplanting. 1 Deciduous trees and shrubs need no previous preparation. They may be taken up and transplanted aftei most of their leaves have dropped. Always avoid treading upon the beds and borders when the soil is in a wet state, as much harm results, Hoeing must be discontinued. To kill weeds ligh'ly dig them under or hand weed. Thin and weed among seedlings and bulbs. Now is the best time to take off and insert cuttings of those hedge plants that are propagated from ci.ttings, as well as several kinds of shrubs. Bed out beauty pyramidal, branching and other stocks, and also pansies and Iceland poppies for early i.owers. Plant borders of violas. Large blooms of chrysanthemums must be protected from rains and dews. Moisture soon damages the petals. Prepare rose beds for new plantations by deep digging or trenching. Work stable manure and banc slag into the soil. 81ugs are in evidence, favoured by moist veather. Precautionary measures must be taken to check their depredations or young seedlings will soon disappear. Complete the sowing of lawns and other grast. plots, choosing a fairly dry surface to prevent the soil adhering to the feet." Rake the seed well in aad roll. Complete the pruning of all varieties of hedges, excepting cupressus and other conifers.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. In preparing raised beds for sowing thoroughly work the soil into the best possible condition that will ensure as quick growth as possible. For all kinds of garden produce chemical manures are very useful, but an occasional good dressing of stable or farmyard manure is essential. Failing animal manure the next best thing is to sow the ground down in heavy green crop for digging or trenching under. In preparing ground for cropping, vegetable growers should know the value of lime. Either ground or ordinary lime may be safely used in fairly large proportions with benefit to the soil and the crop. For turnips, carrots, parsnips, onions and other root crops superphosphate applied at the time of preparing the soil, and again after the plants are advanced, can bo used with advantage. A sowing of parsley should be made along the side of paths or in any corner where it can be easily gathered without trampling the ground. Plant out cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce, and make another sowing for later planting. The digging up and storing of potatoes and kumeras should not be neglected. Attend to harvesting pumpkins, marrows, and melons as they mature and ripen. Earth up celery and leeks as soon as sufficiently advanced for bleaching. Look over all budded trees and remove all ties as 60on as the union is complete.