THE GARDEN.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 937, 14 February 1890, Page 19

THE GARDEN.

WORK FOR FEBRUARY. The Fruit Garden. One of the most important things to be done at this season is to watch for the black leech on plum, pear, and cherry trees. They must be cleared off as soon as seen or next year’s fruit crop will be either very poor or nil. It is an easy matter to kill them ; a little very old gas lime is as good as anything as it is not unpleasant to apply, failing that, air slaked lime mixed with roaid or sea sand will answer, or if the trees are within reach of a hose, a good pressure of water will wash them all off, and do the trees good as well. Summer pruning must now be discontinued, as any further stopping would only induce a late growth which would not .have time to ripen. If new strawberry beds are to be made this season it will be well to get the ground trenched r.s Boon as convenient. The soil should be turned over to a depth of not less than eighteen inches, two feet will be better, and a good quantity of good moist manure worked in. If come bone dust can be afforded, a good sprinkling worked in with the top spit would make itself felt, and a good dressing of wood ashes on the top would also bo very beneficial. In land naturally very dry, cow manure or offal from slaughter yards is a first-rate manure, as either are not only rich in manurial properties, but also teud to keep the ground moist, The strawberry runners should not be planted until the ground settles a bit and becomes moist with rain. The Vinery. Some grapes are now ripe and in such cases the houses should be well veutilated on all fine days, and kept as dry as possible. Any varieties that are not yet ripe may still be fed with liquid manure, and well watered ; they will take this almost to the finish. Keep a close watch for a small caterpillar that sometimes attacks the berries. It lodges on the part of the berry which is touched by surrounding berries, and if not watered will speedily spoil a bunch. Lateral growth may be allowed until the grapes are ripe, but not if they are crowded. When the fruit is ripe all sub-lateral growths may be taken off, this will help to keep the house dry. The Kitchen Garden. Runner and French beans will take a lot of water at this time, and will well repay any ordinary trouble expended on them. -If they are well looked after ijow they will last well into April, but if they are allowed to become starved for want of water their career will be short. Both kinds should be kept gathered close. If .they are producing more than is required throw them away rather than let them produoe seed, or their bearing capabilities will soon be past. Cabbageß and cauliflowers will also require plenty of water. The. caterpillar is becoming very prevalent and troublesome. We have so far been able to discover no remedy except an abundant use of water—a hose playing on them on a hot day in full sunshine is very objectionable to the pest. The last planting of Autumn Giant Cauliflower should now be made, or if ground is not vacant, bring the plants well forward in readiness. All the winter cabbages and savoys should now be got "out, and broccolis and brussels sprouts planted. Sow a good breadth of turnip and winter spinach; sow also short horn carrot and onion. Continue to plant out celery, and earth up any that are forward enough. Keep tomatoeß well thinned out as regards side shoots. Tie.or nail the main shoot out without stopping. This fruit is now being used by cooks in a manner which requires only large fruit. It may, therefore, be wise to thin the clusters to three or'"four fruits, when those left will come of good size. Cucumbers to be kept in' bearing as long as possible should be cropped lightly and allowed to make a little extra growth of vine at this season. Syringe them at closing on fine days only. Give the weak liquid manure at the roots two or three times a week. Keep all worn out vines and yellow leaves cut away, and keep the house clean and sweet.