THE GARDEN.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IV, Issue 1033, 12 August 1879, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE GARDEN.

GARDEN OPERATIONS FOR JULY. [WRITTEN EXPRESSLY EOR THE NEW ZEALAND AGRICULTURIST.] KITCHEN GARJ.IKN. A most acceptable change in the weather having now set in, the growth in this department will, with showery weather and warmer days, advance, and owing to the fact that many operations have been delayed through severe weather, great vigilance and perseverance will be needed to get the early crops in, and keeping the monthly routine under hand. Where the quarters have been deeply dug or trenched, as recommended in a former calendar, the ground will be in fine tilth, and no time should be lost in getting the necessary crops in. Plant out at once early cabbage and cauliflower plants. So\y the seeds of onions ; the most suitable kinds are brown Spanish, brown globe, Danvers' yellow, and James' keeping. Sow also cabbage and cauliflower, raddish, lettuce, spinnach, beet, parsley, peas, and broad Windsor beans. A few early carrots should be sown for a first crop, the best and most useful for such purpose being the early shorthorn. Finish planting asparagus, artichokes, rhubarb, and potato onions. Push on without delay the planting of early potatoes; the kinds as recommended last month are the very best, being good croppers and first quality. Autumn-sown onions should have the hoe run between the rows on a fine, dry day, afterwards carefully hand-weeded. Advancing crops of cabbage and broccoli should have the soil stirred between the rows. Throw together a heap of fermenting material for the purpose of raising and growing cucumbers, melons, and small salads. Plant o? :t and sow seeds of sage, thyme, marjoram, and other useful herbs. FLOWER GARDEN. Where beds or borders have been negected or left over for a more convenient opportunity, lose no time in digging or forking up, and, where necessary, add a liberal supply of decayed manure. Roses should be in the ground not later than this month, if wanted to ensure a fine ui.play of blooms. Finish planting box tdgeings. Sow the seeds or perennial fluwer seeds, and and a few hardy annuals may safely be put in. Any bulbs that have been neglected or forgotten should be planted at once. Calceolarias, pelargoniums, lobelias, verbenas, in stove pots or boxes, should have abundance of air, and gradually hardening off, so as to make strong, sturdy plants for spring bedding out. Plant out violets, primroses, and daisies for edgcings to flower plots, or in clumps in the flower borders. Hoc and rake gravel walks ; mow lawns if necessary, and clip and trim ornamental division hedges. FRUIT GARDEN. Finish the pruning of fruit trees this month ; the sap supply is on the move, and the sooner it is finished the better will it be for the future crop and tree. Almonds in sheltered situations are in full bloom, and peaeli and apricot buds are swelling. Plant out without delay all kinds of fruit trees, especially apricots, peaches, and nectarines. ApjJes and pears can be left much later, but all stone fruits should be planted this month, including cherries and plums. Raspberries and strawberries may yet with success be put in. Stake and secure newly-planted trees as security from high winds, and a mulching of short litter around each tree will be advantageous by retaining moisture until the trees arc established. Plant gooseberries and currants, and finish digging or forking between the rows of permanent orchards.