THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3117, 10 December 1913, Page 12

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS EOR THE WEEK

KITCHEN GARDEN.—Brussels sprouts ihould bo planted in their permanent position without delay, the soil necessary for them being deeply dug and liberally manured. If they arc transplanted with balls of earth they will soon establish themBclvca with the aid of one or two waterings. As a winter vegetable there is nothing superior to Brussels sprouts, and they will amply repay all the care bestowed upon their cultivation. Broccoli may also be planted out; the best sorts are Veitch’s Giant Autumn, Protecting, and Walchcren. A few rows of peas of the green marrow type may be sown, selecting those not so liable to mildew as some strong-growing varieties. Beets, carrots, onions, and parships will require a final thinning, being afterwards thoroughly cleaned and the soil loosened between the rows with the hoe. Tomatoes, if growing too fast, must be checked, a similar attention being given to ridge cucumbers and marrows. FLOWER GARDEN.—In this month many biennials and perennials may be sown in the open border; if the soil Is dry the drills may bo watered before the seed is grown, covering with fine, dry soil. The sorts to be sown now comprise delphiniums, sweetwilliams, columbines, Brompton stocks, and Canterbury bells. If there is any danger of the young seedlings being attacked by slugs, soot and lime should be freely sprinkled over the seedbeds. There should not be any planting out or thinning of annuals after now, even if turned out of pots; it is difficult to get them to start well after the middle of December. The bedding plants should be gone over occasionally to stop straggling shoots and peg them down to get them to cover the beds as quickly as possible. Edgings of esprastium, golden feather, and golden thyme should not bo allowed to bloom. Being clipped early improves their appearance considerably. GREENHOUSE —ln order to provide for a late bloom a few pots of annuals, such as blue cornflower, rhodanthe, browalia. and mignonette, may bo sown. These will bo found useful in furnishing a supply of cut blooms when flowers are scarce. Tie out the lower shoots of balsams, and give them plenty of air and liquid manure. The balsam will bear almost any temperature if the air ia moist and the drainage in the pots is good. Examine ericas for mildew, which frequently attacks them at this season. If the least indication of tin's pest is seen on the plants dust the plants with sulSlnir, or, what is better if the foliage is ense, mix sulphur with water and force it among the leaves with a syringe.