The Garden.

Southern Cross, Volume 8, Issue 30, 10 November 1900, Page 3

The Garden.

r (By “ Murihiku.”) \ _ * - NOTES FOR NOVEMBER. Vegetable Harden.— Gardeners in Southland this season have every reason to be pleased with the assistance rendered by Nature in the ' bestowal of fine genial weather right through the spring, and in consequence both growth and garden work should be at a comparatively advanced stage as compared with some previous seasons, last for instance, so that a spell of inclement weather now need occasion no uneasiness except where sundry small seeds are in the critical stage, and unprotected. There will be found plenty to do in attending to growing crops, assisting them by earthing up, thinning, etc., and by keeping the soil clear acd free from weeds. Also finish the planting of potatoes and put in at intervals, as required for succession, small sowings of main crop of peas, broad beans, raddish, lettuce, turnip, and other salads. The main crops of beet, carrots, parsnips, scarlet runners, French beans, celery, vegetable marrows, etc., should be sown ac once' —the two latter on hot beds if possible to hasten their growth. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, curled kale, savoy, cabbage, spinnach, etc., for winter 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. Tomatoes and cucumbers planted under glass will require very constant attention as regards shading, airing, and watering, and may easily be spoiled by a little neglect of either when young and tender. Both will require copious supplies of water daily during hot weather. Fruit Garden. —ln dry and exposed gardens all newly-planted fruit trees will be benefitted 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, while if short straw or grass be spread between the rows of strawberry plants, besides keeping the fruit clean, it will greatly help the plants during 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 drummondi in annuals may all be procured and planted this month, and where a failure has occurred with seeds these 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 freedomandtogivelargerand 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 the MacDougall’s tobacco sheets, which, suspended from the roof by strings and ignited, burn slowly, and fumigate very thoroughly. One sheet is sufficient for 1000 cubic feet. For syringing or outdoor work, Giahurst compound, diluted Hellebore, or sulphur will eaffi be found simple, safe, and sure.