THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 10

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN.— Work in this de-partment-is confined to preparing the beds for 'the general' sowing which should be undertaken towards the end of the month. Rhubarb and seakale may be forced as previously directed in this column. .The chief supplies of vegetables during the winter g**Jon we obtained from those of a hardy chancier, which are able to resist the jombined Ufluence of frost and excessive moisturs.

Brussels sprouts, savoys, purple sprouting broccoli, cottager's kail, Scotch kail, Chou do Milan, and Melville's variegated kail are all of a sturdy nature, and each possesses qualities which render it useful -till the spring vegetables are available. The cultivation of the whole of this section of winter greens is very muoh alike— they require a good soil in an open siittation, and they should be planted so, as to give plenty of room between the' plant*. ' vOf the varieties above mentioned, Brussels sprouts are the most useful, as they continue to yield sprouts for » long time, and from their compact habit of growth -*.hey are well adapted to resist frost «nd Innip. Where a border and frame is available, ' is not too soon to sow the seed of Brus>'s sprouts and sottager's kail, and as soon ~ the plants ant large enough they can be ■icked out on the border until they are ■t to plant out in their permanent quarters. .->. general sowing of these winter greens can Ue made in the first week in September on an open space of ground. For succession, savoys can be sown in the middle of October and the beginning of December. Another very useful vegetable for autumn and winter use is the Swfts-chard or silver beet, which may be sown any time in, spring, jnd lasts a long -time, the green part of the leaves for use as spinach, the broad white stems to be cooked like seakale or celery. FRUIT GARDEN.— The general winter v^rk of pruning, cleaning, and digging among the -trees -and bushes should in all gardens be now completeu without delay, and this ■will give an opportunity of devoting more time, which will now be needed, to the kitchen and flower gardens. Where ihe planting of fruit trees is still ' unfinished, the work should be completed early, more particularly- in? the case of stone fruits, which start into growth "much earlier than applies and pears, which can consequently be planted later in the season. In all cases where trees a» planted latfr they should receive » heavy mulching of stable manure, which should be. applied after a good-down-fall of rain in the spring. The value of a good mulch cannot be overrated, especially in dry seasons. FLOWER GARDEN.— The ground for roses should be well trenched and manured. In light soils pig manure has been found beneficial in England, but it is doubtful if it will not prove too hot ~in this climate. In strong clays there is nothing better than good stable manure, with, a thick mulching on the Burface. Except in very sheltered situations it is rather early to begin .pruning, which causes the trees to break too soon; the spring frosts and biting winds are then very destructive to the tender shoots. Old plants of punsies should be taken up and planted in a warm situation in light soil to make growth for cuttings later on. Cuttings from the main stems of hollyhocks should be put in light, sandy soil, and place in a warm houee. In a hotbed they are apt to damp off. GREENHOUSE.— As the season for potting and seed-sowing is approaching it will be necessary to prepare composts and put them under cover. Charcoal being found to be a necessary ingredient, a quantity should be procured in readiness for mixing with the soil. Sharp sand free from earth, peat, and old decayed turf must be also provided, as they are indispensable in certain classes of plants. All hard-wood«d plants with delicate root fibres require peat, sucH a.s the erica and epacris; those which make stronger roots, such aa the camellia, will thrive in equal parts of good turfy loam and sand. The fuchsia, likes a free soil, with plenty of &and, and the same may be said of the heliotrope. Both are thirsty plants : when growing freely, and should be liberally supplied with water. Continue to give as much air aa possible to the greenhouse, and endeavour to keep the plants from growing •too early.