THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 418, 28 July 1928, Page 26

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER THE FLOWER GARDEN Sometimes we could add a little more gaiety to our garden of life by acquiring more knowledge of the earth upon which we exist. ’ It would indeed help us to straighten out the frowns and twisted smiles if we would cultivate joy by growing more flowers and fruit. Sow the following seeds in garden frames or glass houses lor early bedding out of summer flowering subjects:—Phlox, marigold, aster, petunia, verbena and cosmos. Gardeners not lucky enough to possess the above luxuries should confine themselves to stocks, nemesia, cineraria, primula, viola, pansy, poppy and delphinium. As the weather is uncertain, most seeds, however hardy, should be first set in a seed pan and covered or shaded where possible. A few hardy annuals that will stand the consistent rains may be planted, such as antirrhinums, primulas, malacoides, statice, ageratum, cornflower and larkspur. Cinerarias are a suitable subjest for planting under trees and shady corners. Keep the hoe working through the rose bed and round the various shrubs. Plant new varieties of roses where required and prune old-established bushes. Lawns that were sown early in the autumn should he well established now, and beds may be marked out for planting shrubs or hardy annuals. (See illustration.) Continue planting ornamental shrubs and creepers where ground is available. This work is important, and every chance should be snatched to carry it out, otherwise it means a wait till next season. Plant gladioli bulbs in clumps about the herbaceous border. This pretty, highly-coloured flower makes a splendid show in the Summer. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN It is indeed a great satisfaction to know that, our extorts respecting this gardening column are not only widely appreciated, but are proving most helpful and instructive to the gardening community at large. Every reader receives our consideration, and all his gardening problems are smoothed away in our “Puzzled Gardeners’ Column.” One of the most important jobs in the kitchen garden is the setting of onion seedlings. The ground should be well dug and manured before planting. Set the plants about nine inches apart and 12 to 15 inches between the rows. This W’ill allow room for a small hoe to be worked among the plants. Potash is an important food of the onion crop, and supplies should be incorporated in the soil. In the North we do not realise how lucky we are to be able to grow citrus trees. Lemons, at least, should be in every garden, however small. Plant at once, care being taken not to set too deep. The best varieties are Lisbon and Eureka lemons, Poorman orange, and Jaffa and St. Michael sweet oranges. Tomato seed may be sown in boxes for gardeners who prefer to raise their own plants. Sow the seed thinly in sandy soil and cover lightly, pressing the surface firm with a boat’d or leveller. Small, smooth varieties are Carter’s Sunrise and Holmes Supreme. Large varieties are Klondine Red and Market Favourite. One packet of seed will raise 250 plants. Plant early potatoes at once. Set artichokes in any corner that cannot be used for growing good crops. Prepare beds for a later sowing of pumpkins and cucumbers. The following root crops may be set: Beet, carrots, swedes, turnips and onions. For salad crops sow now lettuce, mustard, cress, spring onions and endive and spinach. For spring transplanting sow cabbage, cauliflower, parsley, silver beet and leeks.