OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 1891, 1 May 1890, Page 9

OPERATIONS FOR THE MONTH.

(May corresponds with November at Home. —Average temperature, 47"7.) SEEDS, &0., TO BE SOWN. Beans and peaß in a sboltered situation. Iv heat—Cress, cucumber, mustard, and radish. SEASONABLE NOTES. The season for planting out or sowing vegetables of all descriptions is now practically over, though if there are plenty of sturdy young cabbage or lettuce plants remaining in the seed-beds a further batch may sMH be put on sheltered borders, setting them out rather closer than usual. Under these circumstances there can be no excuse for the least untidiness in any tart of the garden; every veatige of rubbish should be wheeled away either to the rnbbiah-heap or directly to any plot where trenching is proceeding. Not a yellow leaf ought indeed to be visible, and weeds, which have up to the present continued growing, should have war waged against them and be also removed out of sight. Continue trenching vacant plots whenever the weather ia favourable, but take care the work is not hurried over or " scamped " in any way ; it is far better to take time over it and get it done thoroughly. Rimembec that both tho soil and the surface of the ground cannot be left too rough, for the larger the lumps the more perfectly aerated and sweetened will the soil become, and the deepor will that most beneficial agent, frost, be able to penetrate; in the case of heavy or adhesive coils this is of the greatest importance. ChrysauthciiQunu are cow in full bloom, and a well grown collection affords a gorgeous and lasting display of colour. Tbe Japanese varie- < ties are on the whole much brighter in colour, as well as more varied in both form and hue than the incurved kinds. They are also more easily grown an a rulo. The beautiful autumn blooming varieties of salvias are of the greatoet use in conjunction with chrysanthemums just now, their long spikes of bloom contrasting well with the last either in a cut state or on the plants. The finest kinds of salvias are Splendeus, and S. Bruanti, scarlet; Betbeli, rose; Pitcheri, bright blue, and Rutilaus, mogonta, with sweet-scented foliage. Chinese primulas, both single and double, are oomiDg fast into bloom, and should have the best positions and daily care. A light shelf near the glass in a temperature of 45deg to 50deg will be found to suit them best. Never let the soil bsoome quite dry, and give them a little weak liquid manure once or twice a week. The double kinds should not be allowed to perfect all their blooms, or the plants will become greatly weakned. Sow cucumber seeds in a heat of 70deg to ftfford plants to fruit about the New Year and onwards.