VEGETABLE SUPPLIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21278, 3 September 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

VEGETABLE SUPPLIES

BUSY MONTH AHEAD September is usually a very busy and interesting time in every part of the garden, for in addition to vegetable growing it is at this time that thousands of young seedling flowering plants are being raised and transplanted in the beds and borders. In the vegetable garden particularly the sowing, raising and planting of almost every variety of seasonable crop cannot fail to interest those engaged in the work. It is, in fact, only in proportion to the interest taken that success is attained. Most vegetables grown are best for table use when grown without check from the time the plants are raised until ready for use, and the greatest success is obtained when the ground has been well prepared and well provided with plant food and the seed sown when the soil is in such condition. as will .ensure rapid germination arid growth. WORD OP WARNING In sowing at this season growers are often prone to sow some of the more tender varieties that would be better if deferred until warmer and more settled weather prevails. With such varieties as dwarf and runner beans, for instance, unless in exceptionally warm, sheltered positions little is gained in sowing until there is plenty of warmth in the soil. Even if successfully raised a cold snap or harsh, cutting wind so checks their growth that plants raised from a little later sowing invariably grow better and produce better crops.

CUCUMBERS AND PUMPKINS The same remark applies to raising encumbers marrows and pumpkins for early crops, though much depends upon the method of culture adopted. If sown and raised in pots the plants can be grown on and kept in the pots and be well hardened until favourable weather conditions prevail for planting. If sown where the plants are to be grown, however, the Chinese method of raising the plants is the best method to adopt; that is, after the plots are prepared place moderatelyshallow, bottomless boxes, or tins, and cover with a pane of glass. If left in this way for a few days the soil will be warm enough to sow and result in more rapid germination. ROCK AND PIE-MELON Little will be gained in sowing rock, ■water or pie-melons until well into next month, while they can be sown until *the first week in November with success. These require plenty of warmth in the soil, and unless this is in evidence the plants even if raised make little or no growth. Much naturally depends upon the soil and situations, when grown, and the care taken in the method of sowing and raising the plants. During the present month sowings should be made in pots of capsicums, egg plants and Cape gooseberries. Place the pots in a warm part of the greenhouse, or, if practicable, upon a slight hot-bed. PLANTINGS MATTERS FOR ATTENTION The final planting of all roses must be completed, also that of most of the varieties of herbaceous and other dwarf perennials. Cannas may be transferred from their winter quarters into their various places in the border and separate beds. A few of the dwari growing kinds are suitable for the rock border. Carnations and picotees may be planted into their permanent places. Japanese irises and herbaceous paeonies should be planted. Mesembryanthemums. crassulas and the different kinds of rock garden plants that are usually planted out this month must be attended to. Finally the surface soil in the various beds and borders should be lightly stirred every week. Several of the seedlings are benefited by a light application of artificial manure.

SPRING SHOW ATTRACTIVE FEATURES The annual spring show of the .Auckland Horticultural Society will be held on Thursday and Friday, September 8 and 9 in the Scots Ilall, Symonds Street. Daffodils will be the leading floral exhibits. There will be the usual collectioirof cut flowers, table decorations and trado displays. A new and interesting departure or feature will be an nrtistic design by Air. Massey, the honorary architect, representing as far as possible a natural garden, with winding walks and green-turfed surfaces with shrubs and groups of flowery plants interspersed. The Lyceum Club and the Jubilee Institute for the Blind will each provide attractive displays. THE SWEET GUM Liquidamber styraciflua, or sweet gum, is one of the ornamental deciduous trees that is beautiful in all its stages of growth. It is most remarkable for the brilliance of its autumn foliage. This tree succeeds everywhere and should not he omitted in <>rnrmrjiial plantations, notably in parks and other pleasure grounds.