Working Guide for the Week

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23009, 9 April 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Working Guide for the Week

By KEPOS

FLOWER Plant out spring-flowering annuals such as Iceland poppies, calendulas, stocks, pansies, violas in moist weather. Clean up the borders of plants that have finished their blooming. Continue the planting of bulbs; anemones and ranunculus for early flowering should not be delayed any longer. Secure the tall autumn-flowering subjects against damage by wind. -• Tuberous begonias in the open should be guarded against frost in low-lying localities. Winter sweet peas will need attention to watering to encourage growth. 'Dust with sulphur to keep down any sign of mildew. _ ' < Examine the dahlias to see that all the labels are secure and correct. , The Greenhouse *■ , Coleus have now passed their prime and a few good plants should be selected for stock; reduce the growth slightly and keep drier. Tuberous begonias should now be drying off for the winter rest. Primulas, cinerarias and cyclamen for winter bloom should have the preference in the positions. Furnish the baskets for spring bloom. Grape hyacinths and lachenalias look well together in hanging baskets. Tuberoses may be potted up for early flower under glass, * three or four roots in a six-inch pot. Get a good supply of potting soil under cover before conditions become too wet. .

VEGETABLES The dry spell has delayed the plantings for winter supplies; the arrears should be made up at the first favourable opportunity. Sow onions for transplanting later for the main crop. If land is inclined to be wet in winter, sow in raised beds. Collect pumpkins and marrows that are ripe, and dry well m the sun before storing. ... , , Celery will still need plenty of water while dry weather lasts, but avoid splashing into the hearts. v Falling leaves and vegetable refuse should be collected tor the compost heap; this will make valuable humus tor digging in. , Cut off theitops of asparagus when the foliage turns brown and before seed falls on the bed. The Orchard It is a good plan to do any heavy pruning of stone fruits in the autumn; the cut heals better, with less liability to " gumming." ■ , The earlier that strawberries are planted the better, provided the site has been well prepared. . , Insert cuttings of bush fruits where extra stock is required. The layered tips of loganberries are now ready for removal from the parent plants. • _ The old canes of loganberries and Raspberries should have been cut out by now; give the canes left a spraying with

Bordeaux. , _ , , Lemons should be sprayed with Bordeaux powder, one ounce to one gallon of water, as a precaution against the brown rot.