The Garden.

Southern Cross, Volume 5, Issue 32, 13 November 1897, Page 9

The Garden.

(Bt “ Murihiku.”)

NOTES FOR NOVEMBER.

Vegetable Garden. —Although the weather during the past, month has been of a very boisterous character, and in consequence totally unfit and unfavourable for garden work and plant life generally, we are in hopes that the worst is past, and that, with the advent of the present month, we shall be shown that fine weather, with its attendant delights, has not quite deserted us. To make up for thedelay, therefore, it will beadvisable to attend to growing crops, to assist them by earthing up, thinning, etc., and by keeping the soil clear and free from weeds. Also finish planting potatoes and put in at intervals as required for succession, small sowings of peas, broad beans, raddish, lettuce, turnip and other salads. The main crops of beet, carrots, parsnips, French beans, celery, vegetable marrows, etc., should be sown at once —the two latter on hot beds if possible, to hasten their growth. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, curled kale, savoy, cabbage, spinach, etc., for wintei use should be sown, about the middle of the month, on prepared soil, also prick off celery plants about four inches apart into cold frames or protected beds formed of well decomposed manure, well watered, preparatory to planting out into trenches in December and January. Every advantage should be taken of dry weather to keep the Dutch hoe going, so as to keep weeds in check; these, if allowed to multiply now, will cause much more work later on.

Fruit Garden. —In dry and exposed gardens all newly-planted fruit trees will be benefited by a mulching of stable manure being placed over the roots, to extend about two feet from the stems of the trees ; shelter also from the prevailing winds should be provided. If short straw or grass be spread between the rows of strawberry plants, besides keeping the fruit clean, it will greatly help the plants daring spells of dry weather by retaining moisture in the ground. Apricots and peach trees which promise too heavy crops should be thinned out, leaving one fruit to each joint. This may appear a sacrifice at first, but is necessary if large and well-ripened fruits be desired. Flower Garden. Arrangements should now be made for stocking the borders with plants for summer and autumn flowering. Dahlias, chrysanthemums, carnations, pansies, verbenas amongst perennials, and stocks, asters, marigolds, phlox drummoudi in annuals may all be procured and planted this month, and where a failure has occurred with seeds these latter afford a good opportunity of replenishing the garden. Growing plants of roses, hollyhocks, etc., will be much benefited by frequent syringing with water; this also helps to keep down green fly and other insects. If, during dry weather, pansies, carnations and dahlias be occasionally watered with guano water it will cause them to bloom with more freedom and to give larger and finer blooms.

Insect Pests. —For anyone whose greenhouse plants are affected with green fly, thrip, or any of the numerous insect pests they are liable to, we can recommend no insecticide at once so handy and economical as MacDougall’s tobacco sheets, which, suspended from the roof by string and ignited burn slowly, and fumigate very thoroughly. One sheet is sufficient for 1,000 cubic feet. For syringing or outdoor work, Gishurst compound diluted or sulphur will also be found safe and sure.