THE HOME GARDEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE HOME GARDEN

THE FLOWER GARDEN

Early bulbs are making: growth. Keep the beds well weeded and apply a top-dressing of sulphate of potash mixed with five times its weight of fine dry earth. Stir the soil between anenomes, ranunculus and Iceland poppies in beds. Nitrogenous manures at this season of the year will cause a soft, sappy growth easily injured by frost. The planting of annuals for spring display should be completed when the soil is dry enough to work. Plant ornamental shrubs, trees and roses, and do any other transplanting or alterations required. Prune shrubs and clean up, manure and fork over shrubbery borders; lay out and plant herbaceous borders. Sow under glass the earliest annuals for summer display. Prick off seedlings before they become drawn.

Pot plants under glass coming into flower, such as cyclamen, cinerarias and primulas, will benefit with weak manure water once a week. Ventilate the glasshouse freely on fine days, doing any watering to be done in the morning to avoid excess of moisture.

Thoroughly cleanse the woodwork and glass of greenhouses to admit as much light as possible during the winter months.

PROGRAMME OF WORK

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

Not much sowing or planting can be done out of doors, but in cold districts a pinch of cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce may be sown in boxes under glass for an early crop. The principal work now is the pruning and spraying of fruit trees. Winter sprays should be applied for the purpose of killing hibernating insects and their eggs. Make up hotbeds for sowing seeds for early crops. These may bo used for cucumbers and melons later. Continue planting hedge, shelter and fruit trees. Place some dry soil next to the roots and do not plant too deeply. Make a plan of the garden for future planting, arranging for the rotation of crops. Draw up a list of seeds required. Glasshouses intended for the planting of tomatoes should be prepared by having the soil thoroughly soaked with water some time previous to planting. Early-sown tomatoes may be planted out under glass where the positions are ready for them. Keep the atmosphere dry with sufficient ventilation. Spray peaches and nectarines for leaf curl just as the buds are commencing to move. Use Bordeaux, winter strength, or Bordeaux powder, one pound in five gallons of water.