GARDENER'S CALENDAR FOR JUNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1260, 3 June 1870, Page 2

GARDENER'S CALENDAR FOR JUNE.

This month brings us into the middle of j •winter, and consequently to the period in which i the days are shortest, and long cold nights prevail, , l>ut although there may be a good deal of dull I gleomy weather, frequent rains, some tolerably I pharp frosts, with occasional heavy winds from j the cold south and west, still, there are many fine \ days in which out-of-door-work can be advantageously carried onl Neither frost nor snow ever lie long enough to stop either the spads or the plough, and, as winter is of comparatively short duration, and sowing time will Boon be on again, both should be kept constantly going at every opportunity. Kitchen Gabden. — Trench and manure all vacant spots intended for cropping during -the coming season, leaving the surface open to the action of the weather. If there are any spots in ' the garden where the soil is clayey or stiff, it should be put in drills or ridges, and turned over occasionally. Nothing pulverises the earth bo effectually as the weather j a load or two of good sharp sand dug in has a wonderful effect in., sweetening the soil and making it work freely.. Plant shallots in rows 18 inches apart, and 12 inches between the plants ; most people plant closer, but by giving plenty of room for -working with the fork, a much better crop is secured. Potato onions and garlic should also be planted the same way, taking care not to insert the bulbs too far in the earth ; a good plan is to plant them in slightly raised ridges, when the earth may afterwards be drawn away from them into the furrows. There is little use in planting any of the onion tribe, except pn rich deep soiL Atop dressing oflime, or wood ashes, has a marvellous effect. If the situation is well sheltered, a few early potatoes may be put in about the end of the month, which, if protected from sharp frosts by litter or matting, will come in as a delicacy in the latter end of November. Under the same favor- ■ able conditions, a few early peas and broad beans may also be sown, but unless very particular attention can be paid to them after they come lip, it will be better not to sow any till farther on . in. the season. Form new plantations of rhubarb ; the first process being to see that the bed is thoroughly ; worked and manured, then plant in rows three and a half feet apart, and two and a half feet between the plants.. Asparagus beds may also now be formed. A very simple aud inexpensive plan has been adopted in this country for the production of this choice "Vegetable, which haa been found to work welL Select a spot of good soil, manure and dig it well, then lay offasminy beds as you wish, each from four to five feet square, plant in each three rows of yearling roots, nine or ten inches apart, throw on from the intervening paths earth enough to cover the plants, throw on a good coating of salt, and finish with six inches •of thoroughly decomposed manure. A couple of these beds will yield for years an ample supply for an ordinary family. Force sea kale by a good covering of stable manure, first protecting the ■heads by putting boxes or pots over them — don't "apply too much heat, however; it should take about six weeks forcing to bring the plants to perfection. Fbutt Gabden. — The instructions of last month for this department apply equally to this ; get all transplanting of- fruit and forest trees, bushes, ornamental shrubs, &c., finished this month if possible. ' Plant thorn, privet, broom, sweet briar, and other quick fences. Continue pruning. Plant - cuttings of gooseberries and currants. Dress raspberry plantations, and remove the wrappings from bud< lings. Floweb Gabden.— Dig up_ borders, and keep everything neat and clean. Attend to bulbs as directed last month, and put in strong young plants of such of the hardy herbaceous flowers as you may desire to cultivate.