THE GARDEN

Southland Times, Issue 24759, 2 June 1942, Page 6

THE GARDEN

By

RIWHI

JUNE PROGRAMME June is a most uncertain month; it sometimes offers opportunities for carrying on quite a part of -the winter programme, while in another season it is not possible to get into the garden at all. A brief programme of work is set out in the hope that such opportunities will be afforded this June. Whatever the weather it will be possible to select and to strike cuttings of chrysanthemums. These should be taken as they become available and should be struck under glass. Bulbs for forcing should now be in full light, but it is not yet time to give them any heat or the premature formation of buds will cause disappointment. THE FLOWER GARDEN All vacant ground should be deeply dug and well limed. The Dutch hoe should be used among all spring bedding plants as often as the soil is sufficiently dry. No gardening operations of any kind should be carried out while frost is on the ground. Whenever conditions are suitable shrubs and trees may be planted, remembering always that thorough preparation of planting sites is fundamental. Roses may also I be planted and the more hardy her- I bacious subjects. If due care is taken not to harm the sprouting bulbs a light forking of the daffodil beds will be found to be most beneficial. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN The most important winter task is deep digging and no opportunity should be lost of getting the programme of work as far forward as possible in this respect. At the same time the soil should be enriched with compost and manure.

Root crops such as carrots, parsnips and beetroot may now be stored in a dry corner of the garden under a good covering of sand. Even if the whole crop is not l.fted sufficient should be dug to cover supplies during any spell of bad weather.

Persist with the surface cultivation of all spring crops and carefully tend , seedlings being brought on under glass, i An indoor job is the ordering of next ‘ season’s seeds and the making of a ' cropping plan for the whole garden, ! Much care should be devoted to this work so that maximum production may i be attained and valuable successions I worked in. Such a plan should always 1

make allowance for a systematic programme of soil improvement work.

When the soil is too moist or conditions are frosty the pruning of fruit trees can be done. The matter will be briefly dealt with in this column in a few weeks time. In coastal areas consideration should be given to the growing of fruit on sunny, sheltered walls and fences.