THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 726, 27 July 1929, Page 32

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

WEEK S WORK AT A GLANCE AMONG THE FLOWERS WEATHER CONDITIONS. —The continuous wet weather and cold snaps are very unfavourable for gardening generally, and little can be done other than cleaning up and stirring the surface of the soil. The most important work is the planting of ornamental and flowering shrubs, roses, hedges, etc. These may be transplanted quite successfully during the present conditions. ROSES. —Attention should be given to the rose beds now. New varieties may be planted to replace failures. The surface of the bed may be limed and forked over. All dead growth should be cut back and pruning commenced before the sap rises. In gardens subject to heavy frosts, pruning may be left a few weeks later. Climbing and rambling roses may be planted for covering old fences and trellis work. SPRING SEEDS. —Numerous varieties of seeds may now be sown in boxes for raising plants for setting out later. A sheet of glass over the box will keep out the heavy rains and provide extra warmth. Sow now calliopsis, calendula, antirrhinums, French marigold, delphinium, polyanthus, stocks, poppies, pansy, violas and danthus. INDOOR PLANTS. —At this period of the year palms and aspadistras should not be over-watered. On the other hand, they must not be forgotten. The soil should be kept always damp to the touch. A fortnightly dressing of plant food will stimulate the growth and the reward will be assured in early spring. All dead fronds should be removed from the pots of fern and weak liquid manure given. PLANT SHRUBS NOW. —During the damp weather is the best time to transplant shrubs of all kinds. A nurseryman’s catalogue now offers dozens of attractive, hardy, flowering and ornamental tree. . Suitable trees properly planted break the monotony of the flat landscape and increase the value of your property. As a tree has to remain permanently in the one spot, deep digging is essential. Loosen the subsoil and incorporate manure with the soil. TUBS AND CREEPERS. —What looks better than one or two tubs of evergreens dotted along the path or on the verandah steps. Evergreens of the pine type make fine specimens and are hardy, withstanding winds and dry weather. Plant in fairly large tubs to allow for root growth. Norfolk pines, retinosporas, acmenas, fan palms and cabbage trees all are successfully cultivated this way Creepers of all descriptions may be planted at once. AMONG THE VEGETABLES TOMATO SOWlNG. —Gardeners who prefer to grow their own pl.'mts from seed should make a start at once. Tomatoes are easily raised and little attention is required beyond sheltering from heavy rains and cold weather. Sow the seeds in a box and cover with sandy soil. Market Favourite, Carter’s Sunrises and Holmes’s Supreme are the best varieties for home use. When large enough, prick off into boxes until ready for finally planting out. ROOTS AND PLANTS TO SET. —The edible asparagus roots can be planted at once. Early potatoes are now available and maybo set in gardens that are protected from frost. Rhubarb—Giant Victoria —should bo planted in richly manured ground. Artichoke tubers can be planted in some odd corners where they may remain for a number of years. Chokos should be placed on a warm shelf to sprout before planting. Set those shallots before it is too late. Cabbage and cauliflower seedlings may be planted in well-drained soil. PRUNING AND SPRAYING. —The kitchen orchard should receive urgent attention. All deciduous trees may now be pruned well back. Make clean cuts always to the outside buds. Remember those varieties that bear on the new wood and don’t be too severe. Other sorts may bo well cut back. Winter spraying is essential as it kills many pests lying dormant in the bark. For a general winter spray Red Oil is good. For cleaning the bark of moss and scale, Line and sulphur used with a handful of salt to every fluid gallon is effective and not dangerous to the worker. SEEDS TO SET. —On heavy clay soils seed-sowing may bo better postponed until next month when the ground may be drier. On volcanic soil a small sowing of shorthorn carrot may be attempted. Early peas may be set and broad beans will do excellently. Plants of silver beet may be shifted. Sow on the sunniest patch available, away from the shadows of the house and fences. ONlONS.— Autumn-sown onion seed will now have produced good, healthy seedlings. Prepare the ground before transplanting by deep digging and manuring with potash and wood-ashes. Set the plants in rows Sin apart and 15in between the rows. The tops may be trimmed off and the straggley roots cut back before setting vv here plants are to be procured, gardeners are well advised to set Brown or Straw Spanish.

PLANT NEW TREES. —If you are contemplating setting fruit trees, now is the time to do so. Don’t wait until the sap begins to rise as the plants get too much of a shock. Apples, pears plums peaches and all other deciduous trees are available. Demons, grapefruit and oranges can now be planted. The following small fruits are ready; to set: gooseberries, guavas, loquats, passion vines loganberries and raspberries.