THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2529, 3 September 1902, Page 10

THE GARDEN.

•OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEX.— A considerable amount of forethought will no-v be necessary aa to tho proper disposition of the crops, as Hi the majority of gaidetia theie are certain portions of the beds more suitable than other* for the growth of particular kinds of vegetables, and the failuies and successes of th» past should help to determine future efforts. Plant out Buccessional ciops of cabbage and cauliflower as the plants in Ihe seed bed become large enough. Keep the hoc going among tho glowing ciops, as the oftenor the soil is moved about the better progress will be made. Earth up rows of pea» as soon as high enough, and those, requiring blakes should be staked before they grow too long and beoome entangled. Sow seed for successional crops as required of spinach, radishes, mustard, cress, turnips, carrot 3, cabbages, lettuce, peas, and broad beans. Plant out young plants of lettuce at frequent intervals. Onions nxay now be transplanted on to deeply-dug groun3, but ta-ke care to make the soil firm about the roots. The planting of the general crop of potatoes should now bs attended to. It is time that the main batch of celery was in, as only the early raised plants reach to their full aizp. One of the most important points all the way through in the management of celery is to keep it well supplied wilh water, &s rt should nes'er at any time be allowed to become dry at the root*, the nature of the plunt being almost aquatic. By this method tho plants will lift from the hard bottom with balls of roots that may be cut and earned with ease to the trenches. Tho trenches should not bo nxoro tiiau about 6in deep and a, foot or bo wide, unless for the big soils of celery, which, esoept for soups, are not to be compared with such as the White Plume. This is a dwarf, solid, fine-flavoured celery that gives but little trouble to earth up and blanch, and it gives satisfaction. The mo-it suitable manure for the growth of the plants is that which is mild aud thoroughly de-com-posed, and a, good diessing of such as this should be dug into each trench, and the plants then put out at about 8m apart. If : a mulching can bo given after the work is [ complete it vnll be a great help, as it prevents washing tho soil when watering, and stops evaporation, thus keeping the roots in ft more uniform condition of moisture. As soon as the plants get well on the movo frequent soakings of liquid nianuie should be given, but no earthing-up should tako place till growth is complete in the autumn.. The plairU hhould then have a piece of raffia run round each, to keep the leaves well together and prevent the soil getting into the crowu3. One of the best places for growing celery is between the rows of tall peas, as there it gets a partial shade (which it likes) in the heat of summer. Ground is also economibed, and the peas greatly beneGted by having more room. FLOWER GARDEN.— The dipging of all beds and borders should be finished off at once, also the planting out of shrubs, etc., as further delay will prove dangeious, m the e\eat oi a kot aaul 4u tt*B9lk *lflUflff7" g l*to

planted shruba are the first to fail. Herbaceous plants that are overgrown should be taken up and divided. Where a border is devoted to these kinds of plants it is better to take them all up and manure and trench the soil, and after dividing the plants replant the whole. These plants do not, as a rule, receive the attention they merit, as often when planted they are then allowed to overgrow and crowd each other; but they should receive regular attention as to thinning- out, manuring, staking, etc. Plant out plants of pansies, carnations, picotees, penstemon«, phlox, etc., in their permanent quarters. Lawns will requiia an occasional rolling and mowing, and in the case of newly-formed lawns they should be mowed as soon as there is anything to cut, and should be frequently rolled to encourage a firm and solid sward. Any- patches that are showing yellow or bare in established lawns will be much benefited by a light dressing of finely-ground bonedust. It is still too early to venture to sow seeds of most of the tender annuals; better defer until we are well into tha warmer weather, as the soil is too wet and cold for the reception of fine seeds, the sowing of which must result in loss.

GREENHOUSE, fcc.^The contents of tho greenhouse will need an overhaul, as moat of the plants will require re-potting or cutting back and starting, as the case may be. Pelargoniums must be kept growing near the gloss, admitting air upon all favourable occasions. Ferns will now be ready to start into growth, and should be re-potted, using soil composed of a sound turfy loam, with, leaf mould in equal parts, third part to consist of sand and decayed manure in equal parts, and mix the whole thoroughly. The pots should be well drained with crocks, with a little rough malerial on the top to prevent the drainage getting blocked, as although ferns delight in moisture there must be no 'stagnation at the root. Water must be plentifully given, but it must pass away freely. The £erus mu6t not bo overpotted, and should be kept close for a feny days after potting and syringed overhead once or twice during warm, sunny weather. Fuchsias should be started into growth ; shoots of last year's growth cut back into shape, and tho plants re-potted as soon as they appear to have broken into growth again. Petunia seeds should be sown under a glaes and kept moist until well up, and then gradually exposed to light and air. Camellias that are not blooming should be examined as to their condition at tb« roots to see if the drainage is intact; if full of roots they should receive a shift just as they are pushing into growth.