The Garden

Southern Cross, Volume 17, Issue 16, 31 July 1909, Page 11

The Garden

NOTES FOR AUGUST. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Vacant ground which has been dug up roughly to the action of the weather in the early part of winter will now be in good condition for cropping, from the ease with which it can be broken down and prepared for seed-sowing. Though the weather should be improving with lengthened days, we are yet subject to hard frosts and storms, so that attention should still be. given to anything tender out of doors. If not already done a small sowing of William Hirst or Little Gem Peas, broad beans, cabbage, onions, cauliflowers, etc., should be made as a first crop, amd if fine weather continues towards the end of the month, a large sowing of these, together with raddish, lettuce, turnips, carrots, parsnips, leeks, herbs, etc., may be made. Early potatoes may also be planted, selecting a dry and warm situation, and one likely to be protected from late frosts as much as possible. The transplanting of rhubarb, seakale and asparagus should be attended to without delay, and if required by forcing, should be treated at once by placing a barrel or box over the crowns, and covering with fresh stable manure. Shallots, garlic, and potato onions may still be planted, also keep the ground stirred bef ween growing crops of cabbage, cauliflowers, etc. To secure a good supply of these latter for Christmas season, it will be advisable to utilise for planting any vacant plots which can be spared for the purpose, the best varieties being St. John’s Day and London Market Cabbages, wfth Early London or Walcheren cauliflowers. FRUIT GARDEN. Proceed with the transplanting of fruit trees and bushes, raspberry canes, and strawberry plants. Remove all suckers from the roots of fruit trees, and any pruning not 3 7 et done should no longer be delayed. A good mulching of manure round the roots of all fruit trees will be found very beneficial. As this month is about the last of the transplanting season, all intended alterations, new hedges, etc., in the grounds should be seen to as soon as possible Fruit trees requiring spraying should also be attended to at oniJe, as a stronger solution can be put on now than aifter spring growth begins. There are several preparations efficacious enough to destroy scale and other blights, the easiest to apply am’ most certain of results being the Government mixture of lime, salt and sulphur, and Montauk. The former can be made by anyone, while the latter is on sale ready made up by firms advertising in our columns, and as email gardens are likely nuir

series for insect propagation through their mere insignificance and size, every fruit grower, if only of two or three trees, should- make it his business to see that his trees are dressed at least once every year. FLOWER GARDEN. / There are still many late flowering bulbs—certain kinds of lilies and gladioli—which may still be planted; as also roots of all hardy flowers.

such as auricula, polyanthus, paeonies, etc. Transplant all kinds of shrubs and trees, and secure by stake those likely to be blown about by the wind. Towards the end of the month a sowing may be made of a few hardy annuals —Mignonette, Clarkia, Sweet Peas, Nemophila, Lupins, etc:—on a warm border, so that even if failure does result, ample time will be left for a re-sowing.