THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2546, 31 December 1902, Page 10

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.— Dwarf and running fceans may still be sown with every probability of a good yield, if the soil is light and well eiixiohed with rotten manure. As a rule, the ecarlet runners do not escape checks until aiter the end of this month. Vegetable marrows may also be put in. a»y heap of vegetable refuse, and it is astonishing the progress they make in such a situation. Nothing moie is necessary than to insert the seeds at intervals of 2ft over the heap, putting them in rather deep, and stopping the vines when they have reached the outside of _ the hili. Celery plants should be got out into trenches as fast «3 the ground can be made ready by- the removal of other crops. Take up each plant -with a ball, and do not injure a single leaf. Hoe over those that are established in trenches, to break the surface that lias been hardened by ■watering. Tho ridges can be utilised by putting in a row or two of peas, which, will afford a. useful shade to the celery. Continue t« put out cauliflowers, broccoli, etc., as ground becomes vacant. All plants of carrot 3, turnips, lettuce, etc., "showing symptoms of bolting must I>d pulled out at once.

FLOWER GAltDEX— Where a pressure of •water i 3 at command, and a hose is attached Jot watering the borders, there :a some danger of overdoing it. Dryness of the surface does not always indicate that water is required by the plants, and those who follow this sign ■will be doing more harm than good. The application of laige do3es of water lowers the temperature of the soil considerably, and the plants soon begin tc show symptoms of distress. Tho true principle is to endeavour to retain the moisturt in tlu soil by mulching or Tjy .keeping the surface of the beds and borders open by ocasional light forking. Cuttings of pinks, picotees, aiid carnations may be put ID sand under hand glasses in a shady place.

GREENHOUSE.— The usual routine of watering, syringing, tying-out, staking, ana -training is the chiei work to be attended to. Most of the plants, excepting the best specimens, being outdoors, ther will be space for introducing a few pots of annuals, liirce or dour in a pot will be found useful if they are properly grown on in frames until the flower buds are formed. A most useful plant for the purpose is Browallia alata. This ia easily grown, and there are several blue and ,«vhite varieties which furnish masses of co!our jfar into the winter if well prepared previously. Balsams and thumbergias must be pushed for.ward, and they delight in a close, moist atmosphere. FRAMES. — Cucumbers in frames oilen show a stubbornness in swelling off their fruit, though, apparently full of health and vigour. Very often a good soaking at the roots will cure all thi3. Cucumber plants may be, and oftep are, kept alive by the syringe merely, but they want soaking to be fruitful. "When the plants are still pushing, and are full of vigour, put on about two inches of fresh soil. In the case of cucumbers that have giown short and crooked they should b removed, as they, only fob ike ctiier fitufc,