WORK IN THE GARDEN

Southland Times, Issue 24376, 5 March 1941, Page 3

WORK IN THE GARDEN

WORK FOR MARCH GLASSHOUSE AND FRAME

By

RIWHI

As the display of begonias fades remove the pots to dry sunny quarters where the plants will gradually dry ott. Geraniums that have flowered during the summer can be cut back when they will break lower down and provide flowering shoots for winter flowering. Pot on cinerarias and primulas. Plant freesias, lachenalia, polyanthus, daffodils and hyacinths for early flowering in pots and bowls. Geranium and other cuttings that have been rooted should be potted on. Make sure that greenfly and other pests are kept under control. A supply of potting soil should be got under cover before the days get short and cold. THE FLOWER GARDEN Keep the herbacious border clean of all faded flowers and dead material. It should remain bright right on through April if carefully managed. Preparations for sowing lawns should be completed and the seed should be sown by the middle of the month. Do not risk sowing on poorly prepared soil, do the job thoroughly and leave sowing until spring. Asters are making a fine display just now. They are always worth all the attention that is given them. Note also the long flowering period of such annuals as phlox drummondi, verbena and African marigolds. Dahlias should still be given every care for they will bloom well for another six weeks at least. Outdoor chrysanthemums used for decorative purposes should be disbudded and a light dressing of garden fertilizer should be given. Disbudding, of course, refers to terminals and not to “crown” buds. All bulbs should be planted as soon as possible, bearing in mind that they must develop a good rooting system before the upward growth begins. In ; last week’s column this subject was treated in some detail. Biennials such as sweet William, wallflowers and Canterbury bells should be transferred to their permanent quarters when these and the plants are ready. The work should be completed by mid-April. In the meantime give the plants every care in the nursery beds. Pinch back leading growths in wallflowers and wrench if growth is too soft and luxuriant. Do not be in any hurry to remove gladioli from the soil; allow them to dry off and lift them during April. Irises may be planted or divided and replanted at the present time. See that the soil is rich in lime. Old mortar rubble is excellent if available. Seed of sweetpeas should be sown at about the middle of the month to provide sturdy plants for next season s early display and for exhibition. Carnations layered in January will be ready to be transferred to their permanent quarters by the end of the month. To prolong the rose display keep all faded flowers removed and topdress weekly with a teaspoon of mixed garden fertilizer to each bush, at the same time maintaining a loose surface in the beds. Renovating and replanting of the rockery can be undertaken at any time during the month. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Cultivation of all growing crops is most important. Indeed it will make all the difference between success and failure.

Sowings that can be made are onions for next season’s first crop, lettuce in a frame or sheltered corner and winter spinach. Plant out “Flower of Spring cabbage and young silver beet. All winter greens should be carefully inspected every week, removing white butterfly caterpillars by hand or dusting with derris. Where attacks have been made by diamond backed moth, derris must be used. The lower leaves should be removed from brussels sprouts as soon as they tend to yellow off. Firm up winter broccoli and other plants that have been loosened by last week’s winds. Leeks and celery should receive further attention in earthing up. Clear away all spent crops and dig or trench such areas incorporating old compost, manure and seaweed if possible. The harvesting of crops is as important in many cases as the sowing of them. Onions should now be drying off preliminary to storing. See that the necks dry off well before storage and that all of the outer skin is dry like paper, otherwise losses will occur. Continue to spray for greenfly wherever necessary using black leaf forty or Kerosene emulsion. As growth slackens attacks of such pests in warm spells of weather have more serious results than usual. Main crop potatoes may be dug when tops have dried off. Do not bag damaged potatoes for storage. Keep runner beans picked and see that they are always kept moist. Growing points should be pinched out so as to throw all the plants strength into developing pods. Make applications of diluted liquid manure once a week after watering. Autumn cauliflower carry such a growth of leaves that it is possible for the heads to be past their best before it is realized that they are ready for use. Watch them. ‘ Turn over the compost heap adding thin layers of soil and sprinklings of lime. 11115 season’s heap will not be ready for use until next spring THE FRUIT GARDEN As tomatoes ripen the coloured fruits should be removed so as to hasten the ripening of the remainder. A few leaves removed here and there will admit more light but the removal of foliage should not be overdone. New strawberry beds should be planted as soon as possible but only after thorough preparation of the soil. Fruit that is to be stored should be carefully picked and should never be allowed to fall to the ground. When the first can be parted from the tree by a lifting movement of the hand it is ready. Never tug at fruit, for this may cause the loss of buds that are already set for next season’s harvest. If it is intended to make new plantings of fruit trees during the coming winter the areas should be trenched, manured and thoroughly cultivated as soon as possible. A good dressing of lime should be applied. If the pruning of black currants and raspberries has not yet been done it should be commenced without delay. Pruning now benefits young wood on the black currants and the canes on the raspberries and it is a much pleasanter task now than it is in winter time.