OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2399, 22 February 1900, Page 8

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN G-ARDEN.— As the autumn seaion advances the era-dicatioa of weeds becomes more tioublesome; but they must be kept down, ns they draw out every particle of moisture in the soil, to the detriment of the crops. The ground set at liberty by tho removal ot exhausted crops should be utilised by putxing in large bread th& o£ turnips for winder use. It is best to sow them in chills which have been pieviously v<ell watered, unless, of course, the ground is in a damp state at the time of sowing. .If turnips are to buib this season they must bs encouraged to'come forward at once, or they will" only make tops, which, will bolt in spring. Where plants are* obtainable cabbages should be put out to come in in May. Soil up celery and attend to that intended for late use. The soil between recently-sown onions, spinach, and carrots must be hoed occasionally, and thinning out should be resorted to the moment the plants are fit. Garlic, shallots, and onions are all ready for lifting. This should be done and tho bulbs dried and stored away during the prevalence of dry weather. FRUIT GARDEN.— The wet season has delayed ripening of fruit. It is usually a difficult matter to hit the exact time when fruit should "toe gathered; and in tho ca&s of early and mid'fceason pears, if they are not picked in time, they "■become rotten in a few days. When the fruit ■will separate from the stem on being lifted up, at is fit to gather ; but this ia not always a safe guide, and it is better to risk a little shrivelling «y gathering too early. In ordinary seasons Williams' s Bonchretien and Duchess d'Ar.gottlenie should be picked about the middle of February, and the autumn Bergamot about the first week in March. Much damage is often done to the trees by careless gathering, the fruit bwds for nest season being pulled ofi with the fruit. The best time to gather fruit is in the mornign, when cool and dry. It will keep better, and be of finer flavour than when picked during the heat of the day. Pears — in fact all fruit— should be handled like eggs, the slightest bruise m Home varieties causing decay. SLOWER GARDEN.— A good selection of Ptitumn-blooming loses — such as souvenir de Malniaison, Grloire de Dijon, and Belle Lionna i %e — i s o f the first importance, as they will always furnish blooms, let the season be what it may. To keep them growing and flowering without check, remove all bad flowers, cut oil' straggling slioots, and ruulch round the roots of the plant 3. Mildew and spider have been very destructive. When destructive on pansies, they may be checked in the early stages by dusting the plants with, a mixture of lime and sulphur, "but the best practice at this season is to cut the plants over to induce a new growth. The propagation of bedding plants must be carried on as cuttings are to be had. They usually require a cloae frame, but the majority of polargoniums strike more freely in the open ground. GREENHOUSE. — Fuchsias which are becoming shapely should be set out in a sheltered position to ripen their wood. Cuttings, however, should be put in at once, and pushed for■ward to make nice little flowering specimens in a -warm house during winter. Attend to previous instructions as to watering and ventilation.