THE HOME GARDEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21248, 30 July 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN

PROGRAMME Ofv WORK

THE FLOWER GARDEN The soil still remains cold. Growth of seedlings and other plants is practically at a standstill. Flowers, with the exception of early daffodils, Iceland poppies, shtista daisies, daphnes, a few anemones and ranunculi also Acacia Baileyana are a scarce commodity. The pruning and spraying of most of the varieties of rosea should now be completed. Renew discards, and dig through the beds. Complete the pruning of hedges composed of cypresses, macrocarpa, Lawsoniana, junipers and other conifers. The varieties of bamboos for hedges shelter and ornamental and utilitarian purposes may be planted between now and October. Rooted cuttings of mesembryanthemums, crassulas, shrubby calceolaries, also seedlings or divisions of fibrous begonias and other spring-bedding plants should be boxed off Into shallow plant trays. Bow under glass seeds 01 the numerous varieties of annuals lor bedding out during the spring and early summer. Dig through the various beds and borders when the soil is in fit condition. Lightly stir the surface soil among spring-flowering bulbs and pull weeds out.

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN When lavourable weather prevails no effort should be spared to break up and prepare the ground for cropping. Earth up early-sown peas as soon as they have made three or four inches of growth. Staking, even of the dwarf varieties, is better than allowing them to lie upon the ground. Rhubarb, to obtain the best results, requires an abundance of rich food. Old beds especially should this season receive a liberal dressing of manure, dug in between the rows. In planting out cabbages, cauliflowers or other colworts, do not plant successively upon the same ground if it can be avoided, especially where club-root has been prevalent. In sowing vegetable seed, it is in every way tage to sow in drills, as it affords better facilities for working the soil, thinning of the crops, and keeping down weeds. In sowing vegetables, particularly in gardens of limited area, the quantity sown should only be in proportion with household requirements. Potatoes that are through the ground should have the earth well drawn up to protect them from late frosts. Should any appear to be lacking in growth, give a good sprinkling of superphosphate along each side of the rowsi before earthing up.