Working Guide for the Week

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 10 (Supplement)

Working Guide for the Week

By KEPOS

FLOWERS Early bulbs are making growth; keep the beds well weeded and apply a topdressing of potash mixed with five times its weight of dry soil. The planting of annuals for spring display should be completed during fine spells. Plant ornamental trees and shrubs, also roses. Do any transplanting that is required. Prune shrubs and clean up the borders; leave the spring blooming shrubs until after flowering. Climbers on the house should have an overhaul, cutting away the weak growths. .Take a look at the standard roses and replace the stakes if necessary; a sudden gale may do irreparable damage. The Greenhouse All empty pots and pans should be washed in readiness for the busy season. A supply of boxes and compost should be got ready for seed sowing. Sterilise the soil for seeds by watering it with formalin, three fluid ounces to each gallon of water. Do not use the soil for three weeks. Watering and ventilation will need special attention to secure a dry atmosphere by nightfall. Bulbs of amaryllis may be started into growth. Do not repot unless the soil is impoverished, but apply a topdressing of rich soil. Freesias in pots should be staked as the leaves lengthen. Perpetual carnations will need constant attention to disbudding.

VEGETABLES Owing to the mild weather broad beans have made considerable growth; draw the soil up on each side of the rows as a protection. Make sowings of early peas on a warm border; the round seeded kinds are the best for very early use. Onions are deep rooting subjects and the site should be well prepared to grow good bulbs. Make a plan of the garden for future planting, arranging for a rotation of crops. Recent rains have consolidated the soil between the rows of vegetables; loosen with a fork when the soil is dry enough. Set up the early seed potatoes in trays»to sprout; if the sprouts are weak give them more light. The Orchard Stunted trees whicH make little growth are probably starved; dig round until live roots are found, then fill the trench with good soil. If grafting is contemplated in spring, do not omit to collect the necessary scions when pruning. Bark damage may lead to disease in an otherwise healthy tree. Pare down bruises and abrasions, then paint over. Cut away soft laterals and other unripe growths on loganberries and other similar fruits. Established plum trees will need pruning, but if the growths were summer pruned this will be a light job. Merely take out crossing branches. Old trees of apples and pears contain much cankered wood; remove as much of this as possible.