THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3123, 28 January 1914, Page 12

THE GARDEN.

OPERATIONS FOR THE WEEK,

FLOWER GARDEN—Asters and all other autumn-flowering plants will require some attention by way of watering and thinning out of the shoots if line flowers are desired. These plants are well worth some special attention, as their flowers are among tne most enduring grown; they continue in lull bloom and keep their colour for a much longer time than most flowers. The taller varieties of asters require a light flower stake to be placed to each plant to prevent damage from high wind. Dahlias that are flowering freely should have a good watering of liquid manure at least once a week, and all faded flowers should be picked off regularly, as nothing mars the fine effect of a bed of these bold and showy flowers more than allowing the faded petals to bemain on the plants. There is still time to admit of the planting out of a later batch of asters and zinnias, provided care is taken to shade the plants from bright sunshine during the first few days. A late sowing of sweet peas may also be made. If sown where they will receive copious waterings they' will grow rapidly and flower right up till’ they are cut off by frosts in late autumn. Chrysanthemums will now require attention, as at about this time they set a flower bud on each growing shoot. As it is far too early to allow these to mature, the buds should be removed, and a further growth encouraged. The surface soil after frequent waterings is liable to become caked and hard, and this should be loosened up whth a fork, taking care not to injure the roots which are near the surface. A mulching of half-decayed manure will prevent the soil from becoming too hard, and at the same time the plants will be much benefited. KITCHEN GARDEN—The work in this department will consist principally of watering, hoeing, and harvesting onions, etc., as they ripen. Where carrot and parsnip seed is being saved these should be gone over frequently so as to cut the heads as they ripen, as early heads are generally the finest seed, and most of these will be lost if not cut as soon as fit. Where peas have been preserved for seed purposes these also should be cleaned off and stored away for future use. The spaces vacated by all crops should be prepared for the planting out of the main winter supplies of cabbage, etc,, during the next month. If as much of the preparatory work as possible is in a forward state, the fullest advantage of the next rains may be taken, and the plants will rapidly establish themselves. The earlier planted crops of cauliflower and broccoli will require an occasional watering. Late-sown carrots and kidney beans, etc., should have the hoe run between the drills as soon as the seed is well up. This will tend to conserve the natural moisture in the soil, as well as to check the growth of weeds. The work of transplanting lettuce is during the present hot weather attended with some difficulty, as the young plants are so tender that they are liable to suffer. They should be planted out during the evening, and thoroughly well watered overhead morning and night, which will generally secure their growth.

GREENHOUSE AND FRAMES, Etc The shading on the glass should be replenished if necessary, as after lapse of time and after rains much of it is washed off. A bright sunshine is now injurious to almost all plants under glass, especially such tender foliage as ferns, which soon assume a yellowish tinge if not well shaded. A very moist atmosphere must be maintained -where ferns are growing, and where these are used frequently for table decorations the plants should be stood in the open air in a shaded position for an hour or two every morning if possible, and a gentle sprinkling or syringing of clean water given all over the fronds, which will keep them clear of dust and in good health for a much longer period than if kept continuously in a dry room. Flowering plants should have all seed pods picked off and a weak dressing of some fertiliser given and watered in, with an occasional watering of weak soot water, which will tend to prolong the flowering season.