THE HOME GARDEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21467, 15 April 1933, Page 7 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Chrysanthemum flowers are rapidly developing and will soon be the leading floral feature of the flower garden. Exhibition blooms will require to be protected from dews and rain. Dahlias are past their best. To prolong the flowering as long as possible, pick off all spent blooms, and make a list of the most reliable late-flowering kinds. Plant another batch of anemones, ranunculus, narcissus and other hardy flowering bulbs. Those planted now often give the best results. The moisture in the soil has enabled the bedding-out of nemesias, Iceland poppies, stocks, cinerarias and other seedlings to be proceeded with. Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits 'are recommended for autumn planting in favourable localities and soils. Newly-made lawns should be properly levelled and sown with suitable mixtures of lawn grass seed. Well rake the seed in to prevent small birds taking too large a portion, and well roll. Prepare ground for cyclamens, summer-flowering sweet peas, pansies, cinerarias, nemesias, etc. Deeply dig and well manure. Prepare evergreens for removal after the soil becomes well soaked with moisture by properly wrenching to stop their growth and encourage fresh root action. Attend to the planting of polyanthus, primroses, beauty stock, aubretias, wallflowers, sweet Williams and other hardy plants.

PROGRAMME OF! WORK

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

When preparing raised beds for later sowings endeavour to place the soil in the best condition to ensure quick growth. Animal manures or other decayed vegetable matter contain most of the elements of plant nutrition. Lime and wood ashes, too, are excellent materials to work into the soil. Ground selected for the planting of the very early potato crop should be well worked and prepared in readiness for planting. Sprouted tubers are in every way best for early planting. To keep up a succession of vegetables during the winter care must be taken in timing the sowings, while the soil should be in such condition as to ensure rapid germination of seed and growth of plants. It is important that the soil be kept frequently stirred and free from weeds, advantage being taken of fine weather for this work. Take advantage of favourable conditions for sowing turnips for late autumn and winter use. Spinach is an excellent vegetable to grow and is always in demand. To grow it to the best advantage requires a rich soil and quick growth. For present sowing the prickly or winter spinach is the best to sow. As soon as the soil is sufficiently moist, plant out a good plot of lettuce in well-worked and wellmanured soil. Broad beans may be sown any time during the present month for early crops. Draw the drills wide enough to sow a double row, arranging the seeds alternately about six inches apart.