THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2745, 24 October 1906, Page 8

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK.

KITCHEX GARDEN.— The fine growing ■weather we have experienced this month has sent vegetables of all kinds ahead with a, lush, and immediate attention to thinning out is required. liettuce plants should be transplanted in sufficient quantities as to mamlain an unbroken supply of crisp heads .throughout the summer; mere size shctii'l not l>e so much the aim of the gTower as a tender and moderately-firm heart, to obtain v/bich manure and water are *.b?oluteiy necessary as the dry and hot weather approaches. A large towing of kidney Leans may now be sown in an open position. Su^cessienal sowings of turnips may be scvn throughout the- month; such sorts as white 6 tone, American strap leaf, and -early Mi'iu ■ are suitable. Carrots, either intermediate or shorthorn, may be sown. In very many casc3 tho earliest sowings of carrots ore a failure, unless in gardens where a good oui/. look is kept up for slugs. As the drier weather is near at hand these do not now give so much trouble to seedlings, and full crops may now be secured with less labour .■than with lery early sowing. The new cauliflower, Snowball, which is likely to become a favourite lor hemo growing, is rather too small (for market purposes, but for table the medium-sized, firm, and pure whit© heads are all that could be desired. The work of thinning out drills of oarrots, parsnips., turnips', etc.. should be attended to as soon as the plants are h.rgo enough to handle, and any further delay only results in loss, as an amount of .useless growth w made. Sow long ridge cucumber in the open ground, and transplant plants raised undsr shelter of frames to their open quarters as soon as the plan is iiave been hardened off. ■ THE VlNERY.— Attend to the training of vines, also the stopping of the shoots as toon as the bunches of fruit are visible at me or two joints above the bunch. F.RUIT GARDEN— At present the prosipeets of a fruitful season «r© very favourable. Stona fruits have set well — in fact, far too many plums, peaches, and apricots, appear to be swelling, so much so that thinning out Trill bftve to be. resorted to. in. order

to obtain well-developed fruits. The process of however, should not be done until the fruits have passed the stoning stage, and are about to commence to swell again. Trees which have been grafted thould be occasionally looked over, and arty buds which start to grow below the scion should ba rubbsd out and all the strength allowed to go to tho scion. Care will be necessary in working among the growing Scions until they arc_ firmly established, as they are so easily broken off. Any scions which have failed to grow should be icmoved, and the stock allowed to make ouo strong shoot, which should be budded during the summer with a bud of the desired variety, and thus a saving of time be effected. ~ , FI/OWER GARDEN.— Amateurs have diffic ulty often in striking cuttings from haidwooded plants, such as sweet-scented verbena, but mne out of ten cuttings will strike ii the parent plant bo first kept in a small glass frame, almost dark and very warm, say inside a vii>ery or greenhouse. It will then gTow soft, spindly shoots which, when broken ; off and inserted in damp soil in the same , hex, 7>-ill ptrike in three or four days.