THE GARDEN

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12229, 29 August 1925, Page 10

THE GARDEN

NOTES BY “RATA” IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN WHAT TO DO JUST NOW Sow mustard and cress, leeks, onions (for pickling), turnips, peas, and parsley. Plant potatoes, rhubarb, lettuce, cauliflowers, and cabbages. IN THE FLOWER GARDEN Sow phlox drummondi, nemesia, ten week stock, scabious, zinnias, Sweet William, and mignonette seed. Finish pruning roses. Prepare the ground for the chrysanthemum cuttings. EARLY CARROTS A sowing of carrots, made now will furnish useful supplies, during summer nnd early autumn, Manchester table is a splendid variety for the ■ purpose. BROAD BEANS If a sousing of broad beans was made about three weeks ago, a second hatch should now he got in, for successional use. AUTUMN-SOWN ONIONS If earlier transplanting was practised with this important crop, we would hear less about the plants bolting to seed. On the first day when the soil is dry enough, transplant the seedlings into permanent beds of well prepared soil. The rooting soil should be fairly firm, but it is easy to make it, too firm. Root disturbance should, be avoided as far as possible, and the; work" of transferring the seedlings: must be undertaken with care. It is also important' to a void deep planting When the operation is complete, the bulbs should rest lightly on the surface. Allow one foot between the; rows,- and six inches from plant -to plant in each row. r~W ASPARAGUS BEDS Those amateur gardeners who con-,, template making a new asparagus; bed, should prepare the site now. It cannot be too strongly emphasised that 4s this is a permanent crop (a well-made bed will last 20 years), the soil should be prepared to at least a ! depth of two feet and liberally man-; ured. By undertaking this preparatory work now, the soil will be ready for receiving the roots ,next month. BEETROOT - ' Ground which' has been ■■ well tmanured for a preceding crop is the . most, suitable for growing beet. Fresh, manure must not bo used; or the result will he ugly shaped, roots and bad colour. For present planting the turniprooted variety is best. Sow the seed one inch -deep in drills, nine inches apart. Late?, thin the seedlings to about six inches apart.

POTATOES Whole potatoes are preferable to cut sets for planting at this season of theyear. Out Sets may be used for the main crop, because vegetation is more active, and a set containing one or two-ey6s will . make . a plant directly.; Potatoes always .grow better and come to maturity sooner if the sets are sprouted before planting. Long, white, flexible sprouts are almost useless, but short, hard green, or purplish, sprouts, about half;, an inch long, grow with vigour from : the first. IN THE FLOWER GARDEN . HELIOTROPE This sweet smelling shinib is not at Ml difficult to rear from cuttings if the yoi-ng wood is used. These make stronger plants and produce finer blooms than if older wood is used. Ir a, hotbed is available, the cuttings Will strike readily, especially if planted in a moisture of leaf mould and sand. They should not be translated too quickly, otherwise they will die off when apparently well established. IRESINE If cuttings are planted now of iresine they will root quickly, and be available later for transplanting to their permanent quarters in the border, for which purpose they are-well suited. Pansies, polyanthus, and different varieties ’ of daisies should he planted out now. Lily of the valley can also be divided and replanted. They prefer a partially shaded situation, and the soil inusp be good and moist (not wet), preferably of an open, sandy nature. For growing in' pots, soloes good crowns, and plant them in a Sin pot, keeping the crown well above the soil. They will come into bloom in a few weeks’ time, and make charming pot plants for indoor decoration. PETUNIAS A sowing of petunia seed may he mad 6 in pots or boxes that are well drained, filled with good light soil, and having a. layer of clean sand on the surface. On this the seed should ; be sown finely, and, merely covering with a sprinkling of sand: the top of the pot .nr box should he covered with a sheet of glass, shaded with paper covering. Great care must he taken in watering the seed, and only the finest spray used, otherwise the seed will be destroyed. There are so many very fine strains of petunia seed on the market that only the best should be grown. Even then a small proportion will be found to produce single flowers. As these are always the first to come into bloom they can be used for bedding purposes, and should he transferred to the driest and poorest part of the garden where they will make a grand show. If planted in very rich soil their flowering properties are not so strong. SHOWY HARDY ANNUALS The great secret of success with this charming race of plants is to sow early ;on the site where the resultant plants are intended to flower. Most amatuers know that the various annuals fill gaps in the. foreground qf the herbaceous border charmingly. ’ Choose the first

day, when the soil is dry enough to work nicely to reduce it to a moderately fine tilth. On heavy soils it will be an advantage to add a little potting soil mixed with rough sand to the ordinary soil. Broadcast the seeds thinly, and do not attempt any elaborate covering, for it will suffice if the seeds are merely raked in. Showy plants to sow now include such as candytuft, godetia, nigella, Shirley poppies, Virginian stock, sweet sultan, coreopsis, mignonette, clnrkia, and nasturtiums. i ' CHRYSANTHEMUMS i Now is a suitable time to insert cuttings of these • flowers, which are invaluable for late summer and autumn decoration of the garden. Whether they are accommodated in single beds to provide blooms for cutting, or in spaces towards the - front of the herbaceous border, they are equally useful. Sturdv basal growths detached from the old plants will quickly root if inserted now in a little good soil. They must be firmly planted as any root movement will hinder the progress of the cutting. RE-POTTING ASPIDISTRAS Popularly known as the “parlour palm,” the aspidistras should be increased by division and repotted in September, as this is the best month for the purpose, the roots not showing as yet any renewed activity. Fbr a potting compost use fibrous loam, adding plenty of coaise sand and a little leaf mould