THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3029, 3 April 1912, Page 12

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK

FRUIT GARDEN.—NearIy all the different varieties of apples and pears will now be readv for gathering, unless, perhaps, a few of the latest pears, which should on no account be stored until tho pips are brown, or they will shrivel up and become useless. Proceed with the planting out of strawberry runners into their permanent quarter.?. We strongly recommend planting out as early in April as possible, so that they can have time to become established while the soil has some warmth in it. Tho runners must be kept frequently watered until planted out, so that they may be kept growing. In localities where the codlin moth has made its appearance the bandages upon all trees should be examined and cleaned regularly, destroying all grubs trapped. There is no doubt this entails a lot of extra labour at a time of the year when it can least be spared; yet if the desired end can be obtained it is Indeed a boon to all concerned.

KITCHEN GARDEN—Advantage should bo taken of any dry weather to burn off all accumu'ated jubbish, which, when a largo quantity is gathered together, makes an excellent manure if returned to the soil. This is a favourable time to secure a stock of stable manure, as at this time of the year it is plentiful. It should be turned ovor and stacked neatly upon a spare quarter of the garden, where, if kept up together, it Is not likely to become an eyesore, and will bo found much bettoi for the garden crops than carting in green strawy manure, which is generally the case when left until spring. Salads will re juire copious supplies of water at this season, particularly lettuce and radishes. A sowing of these should now be "made, and a hardy variety of cos lettuce is to be preferred at this time for sowing.

FLOWER GARDEN.—Chrysanthemums will now require constant attention, as the buds are rapidly swelling, and in some early gardens several of the early-flowering kiuds are already bursting into flower. At present all disbudding should be comploted upon plants that are intended to produce large flowers. The plants should now receive regular waterings of liquid manure twice a week. .Cow manure and sheep droppings, placed in a bag and immersed in a largo cask, will be found the most harmless and safe for amateurs to use. These, however, must not be applied too strong at first. Some growers advise the use of strong chemical manures, but as there is suc'i a wide difference in their respective strengths it is dangerous for the beginner to apply them to his plants. All the shoots should be kept securely tied, or injury will be done'to expanding blooms at the last moment. All side shoots should be kept finished off until the flowers are about half open, when they can be left as they form. Dahlias can be kept blooming for a longci- period if supplied with liquid manure three times a week and the faded blooms picked. GREENrTOUSE, FRAMES, ETC.—Pelargoniums which were potted early must have more air admitted to them as soon as they show signs of new growth, and when thoroughly established the lights should be removed altogether during the present *"ssd and open weather. Chrysanthemums Itr pots will require constant attention, and as mildew is likely to attack them at this time of tho year the plants should be dusted over with sulphur, and it is one of the most important) points in a good plant that the foliage should be retained down

to the rim of the pots. As the days shorten and become colder much less water should he used about tho floors and stages of the- greenhouse, end as most of the plants have completed their growth, they should be gradually liardened so as to prepare them for tho winter. Upon tire approach of frosty nights the greenhouse and frames should bo closed up earlier, so as to take advantage of the sunheat. Oyclumens should now be shaken out and repotted into fresh soil and started into growth in a cool part of the greenhouse. These plants require good drainage and careful watering.