WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 1989, 7 April 1892, Page 5

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Kitchen (jarden.— The ndventi of frost shows the necessity of giving protection to all tender subjects which require it, and -of lifting' and storing beetroot, carrots, parnsips, &c. In storing these roots, the tops should not be cut off too close, as it causes the crowns to decay. The crop of tomatoqs should be gathered -- without delay, as the slightest touch of frost will render them unfit for use and destroy- their keeping properties. Unripe fruit may be bunched and hung up, or laid out singly where there is a free circulation of air. ' Celery should also be earthed up whilst the soil is dry. Cauliflower and broccoli coming iv may be protected by 'breaking a leaf over the heads. Peas, beans, and scarlet runners will be nearly useless if they have been caught by frost, and the ground should be cleared, dug over, and manured, in readiness for spring plantings. Remove dead leaves from the stems of the broccoli, whiter greens, &c, and keep the ground between them free from weeds. Trim fences, clean walks, and form a heap of rubbish which can be charred in a smother. When properly managed, a heap of weeds, &c, can be kept slowly burning for months, and as there is always a portion of soil in the rubbish, the burnt earth and charred refuse forms a valuable lop-dressing for onions and other bulbous crops. Flower Garden.— The preparations for wintering bedding plants should now be completed."' Although in most light soils verbenas will survive the winter, it is advisable to lift and pot a strong plant of distinct varieties to keep in a frame so as to furnish cuttings for spring propagation. Echevorias will winter if planted in sand at the foot of a north wall, or other shelter; but the tender Sedums, such as azordeum varieatum and Mcsembryanthemum aureuin, must have the protection of glass and be kept dry. Choice vai-ieties of dahlia may be lifted, and the stems, being cut t>in from the tuber, may be placed in sand or ashes under stages, where they will not be liable to drip. Absolute dryness is not beneficial to the tubers, as they shrivel up and there is a difficulty in starting them in spring. If _ plunged in sand, they keep plump. Avoid bruising or otherwise injuring the tubers when taking them up. Greenhouse. — Cyclamens which have been placed on shelves ntar the glass will be showing the bloom buds. When watering, avoid wetting the leaves. If any of the buds become mouldy, remove them at once before it spreads to the others. Weak manure water once a week will cause the cormus to throw a stronger . bloom. When azaleas are removed to the house, remove all decayed leaves and let the pots be washed.

Zonal pelargoniums which have been prepared as advised will now be coming into bloom, and will be found valuable for cutting from as the supply fails from the open borders. Chrysanthemums in pots are swelling their flower buds, and this is the time -to give them manure water and surface} dressings of rich compost. Thin out the flower buds where they are too crowded. Chinesd primulas frequently begin to flower when small plants ; but this should not be permitted, as it prevents them increasing in size. Pinch out the flower trusses as soon as they appear. If there is any tendency to damp off at the neck, give more air and be careful in watering. I