THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 10

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN.—If the operations detailed in previous notes have been per- - iormed at the periods stated, there is a prospect of abundant supplies of winter vegetables. To enable broccoli and winter greens to receive the full benefit of the favourable weather, the plants should be gone over to remove decayed leaves and to clear away weeds. The destruction of these and other rubbish by fire is to be commended, as the larva of insect pests and the seeds of weeds arc effectively got rid of. The burnt refuse is also an excellent fertilising agent for any vegetable crop—especially for onions—and for top-dressing seed beds. The crop of spring-sown onions being removed, the ground may be prepared for the spring crop of cabbages. No manure is necessary, as ■the ground which has been used for onions is sufficiently rich. Take advantage of a drying wind to run the hoe through advancing crops, as the weeds are speedily destroyed. Hasten the ripening of tomatoes by stopping all young growth and by removing the leaves which shade the fruit For celery use 4in pipes instead of the earth, putting the plants inside the pipe, under which treatment it blanches miuch better. You can give it a good supply of water much easier, and it saves a lot of labour Of course, the pipes require a little «arth round ihem to keep them steady. Celery and leeks should be earthed up in dry weather. FLOWER GARDE.N.—At this season many shrubs can be budded and grafted as easily a.s the rose. Rhododendrons and variegated hollies can be graded by inserting small grafts on the south side of the stock, the bark being too thin for budding. If budding is tried, the wood should be left in the shield of bark. A good clay may be made by making a paint of clay and water, and applying it over the tying with a small brush. Dust a little sand over rfc while wet, and when it becomes dry it will not crack or be washed off by the rain. Roses which have been budded should have the ties examined and loosened, as if overlooked for ashort time at this season the bark is iniured and often results in the loss of the buds. The ties should be loosened once or twice •before finally removing. Where it is intended to form new gardens during the coming season all necessary levelling, filling up, and trenching, etc., should be at once 'Commenced, as all such work is better performed during the dry weather, and the work is thus got well in hand, so as to have ■all ready for planting and laying out earlv. Carnations which were layered as previously advised should be carefully watered; an> that had no grass strong enough to layer ait that ■time shcldd be again gone over, as since the early flowers have gone off grass is mo™ plentiful, and many varieties which could not then be layered may now be secured. Continue to sow the various kinds of hardy annuals which are needed fo- earlv spring flowering; also the various biennials and perennials should now be sown in boxes and pans where they can be kent under observation. -

FRUIT GARDEN.—Whore it is intended to plant cut strawberries this should be done •a-B earlv in April as they can be safely, transplanted. A portion of the garden should bo ■selected that has not bo-pn recently occupied •by' this cron. and. if possible, the land should have a good of wood a.shes or the remains of the rubbish heap which has been burnt, the charred regains of which ro*>T<.e •as excellent manure for 1-his cro'n. The youn<? runners to be nlantM should be kept growing as freely as possible so as to have strong which may tw exrect'd _ to produce a very fair re-turn of fruit du.riug the first season. Pears and jtwtes of th* early ripenw-? variety =hould be gathered as =oon as fit. as allowing them to remain longei is onh' rnnninc the risk of losingthem duriii? hi«rh winds. «RE,ENTIOTfSE' TJe.sroniss are now the chief of A* 4**<*. *»* te en

them free from damp, which soon injures them, they should be sparingly watered. Cyclamens are on the move, and should bo repotted at once in light, fibrous soil, with <a good proportion of sharp Hand, a little well- | rotted cow-dung being placed on the drainj age. Keep the cornis level with the rim of ! the pot. After potting the plants may bs j kept close in a frame for a week, being fully { exposed afterwards till the bloom buds are ) formed.