THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 10

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN.— When the weather is suitable an early sowing of cabbages should be made for spring use, and another »o-wing should be made three weeks hence. f.f there is a plot to spare it may bs utilised rfy ■putting in the small broccoli left after planting the main crop. These late plantings conns in for succession in spring, and Stand the winter 'better than the main crop. Sow spinach on well-manured gTound ; a good, breadth may bs eown. as it will not run to seed so much as the earlier sowings. Kidney beans which are now fit for use must h$ picked reg-ukurly a/r.d closely, as if left too long they become seedy, and the plants aft once cease to beax profitably. Peas, turttips, and other early crops should, be cleaned off the land a-s coon as practicable, and the ground prepared 1 for tli>3 winter crop. FR.UIT GARDEN— Fruit-picking will need attention. With s little care betsiowed upon currants and gooseberry bushes? in the way of ooTering with netting or thin scrim, the teats can bs> kept very late in the season, xmsn they come useful for dessert long after tlie main crop has disappeared. White and red currants arc particularly adapted for keeping purposes. Strawberry plants which hi© required for prod-ucing iunner3 mu6t noi ibe «llowea to suffer for w«nt of moisture, ot •Ski roots will make little or no progress. 3?e&ches and apricots which axe eweljing rigidly -will be much improved by a copious BUppJy 07 water to the roots. Stone fruits K&cfo are to be budded should now be fit ho op*eorate upon ; the buds should be inserted either lftte in the afternocn or early jhorning, m«king each- bud secure v,'uh •bftnds of raffia grass. TShin oul the yoiuig

growth of pe-ack trees, exposing to sun and air the wood intend«-d fot next season. The aids shcots of gooseberry and currant trees nuay be shortened, and remove all gross shoots which block up the trees and prevent the ripening of the fruit-baaring wocd. Look after ntnners of Keen's seedling strawberry and other eai-ly sorts; a barrcwful of good soil placed on the outside of tha beds will encourage a stock of plants to root for making plantations in the autumn. FLOWER GARDEN.— The mixed borders will nsed every attention. Grcwih will now be rapid, and many of the stronger growers will require a considerable amount of staking to keep them in position. Yertwnas, petunias, and lantanas will require peggicg doT/ii; the beds receiving- a thorough overhaul for the removal of exhausted flovsrs, dead leaves, etc. Plants of scarlet and other zonal pelargoniums should have the points of the leading shoots nipped out to prevent them becoming leggy. Late-sown annuals should be thinned out or transplanted; if the latter, a shading of seme kind ehouM be given for a. few days by inverting a prnall flower-pot over them, placing a small stori3 undeT the pote to allow of free ventilation. Dahlias should now be growing freely, and if good flowers are wished for, the plants must receive extra care, thinning out the growths and buds and giving abundant supplies of moisture — liquid manure made from cow manure is best for this purpose. The main shoots should be securely tied to the stake from time to time as the growth proceeds, as these plants are easily damaged by wind. Stake and tie up all gladioli and similar taU-growing subjects. Roses will probably this year "give a fine autumn bJcorn. Budding should be pushed forward, A3 with such an abundant flow of sap it oannot help being, successful. Cnitings of tea-scented varieties and many of the hybrid perpeiuals will now root fre&Jy in light, sandy soil under bell glass. Take the cuttings with a heel from the old stems. GREENHOUSE.— Most of the greenhouse plants have finished their growth, and will be better placed out of doors to harden. Heaths, epacris, «nd the finer specimen plants ought to be in cold frames, where they will get a more equable temperature, and not be likely to become too dry. Grafted camellias, azaleas. rhododendrons, and daphnes now do best in close pits, but they must be carefully shaded from the sun.