THE BUSY MAN'S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 828, 23 November 1929, Page 30

THE BUSY MAN'S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS ASTERS AND ZI N N I AS.—Annuals such as zinnias and asters, which were sown during last week of October, can be planted out now; seeds of these can also be planted right up to Christmas, and they give fai liner blooms than the earlier sown ones, as they BRIGHT AN NU A LS.—A m.Vr; m thus!* "eolosia and cockscomb should all be sown and will brighten the autumn garden right to the winter. Marigolds, both African and French, should be sown. These are groat garden brightenors. Tliithonia, the Mexican sunflower. is a good line, and a wonder for cut. flowers. Diamorphiea hybrids are always bright and can be sown right away. BALSAM.—November is the best time to set balsam seed. Buy seeds of the best strain available and sow thinly in a seed-box or bed Thick sowing draws up the plants too much. Balsams are among the best ot' the gay garden plants and should have a place in everybody's garden. PORTULACA FOR ROCKER! E S.—For small beds in the sun nothing is better than portulacas. These come in various colours in double and single varieties. "We prefer the double on account of the flowers lasting a little longer. WATERING.—Don’t forget to water the garden regularly if the weather is dry. Once forgotten for a few days it takes a long time to get into shape again at this time of the year. GARDEN PESTS- —Snails and slugs are very troublesome by this time, and if we have no domestic animals or birds, the best way to get rid of them is by laying poison baits —Paris Green or Arsenate of Lead mixed with pollard. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN WINTER VEGETABLES.—AII varieties of broccoli. Brussels sprouts, borecole, cabbage, leeks, savoys, etc., must now be planted out in quantity, and although the most satisfactory results are obtained when clear ground is available, it frequently happens that, in gardens of limited dimensions, one is compelled to plant between rows of early potatoes; in such instances allowance should bo made by leaving a little more space between the plants. Should the weather at the time prove hot and dry, water must be frequently applied until the plants are established. MAIN-CROP CELERY.—If the plants are of good size and have been properly hardened off they can with advantage bo set out in their maturing quarters. Drought is the chief enemy of the celery, so care must always be taken to see that the soil is at no time permitted to get dry. Water copiously the day previous to planting out. and again in the evening after planting is finished. SALADING PLANTS.—Frequent small sowings of lettuce and radish are necessary in preference to large qualities being put in at long intervals, while mustard and cress should be sown every four or live days, according to demand. MAIN-CROP LEEKS.—If the plants havq attained a decent size they should now be .planted on very rich and deeply-worked soil in an open position. Drills Sin deep and loin to 18in apart should be drawn with a hoe, and the leeks planted in the bottom of these, allowing from Gin to 9in from plant to plant in the rows. Bv planting in drills, the length of blanch is extended, the soil being worked in with the Dutch hoe as growth advances. FRUIT TREES.—A good wash for the destruction of the numerous caterpillars now devouring the leaves of fruit trees is “Katakilla,” which kills whenever it comes in contact, and is very sate to use. Some sprays, while perfectly safe to use on certain varieties of apples, are dangerous on others, causing the trees to shed their leaves, and thus care is needed in selecting a wash. Whatever is used, it is essential to drive it with force into all parts of the trees. ASPARAGUS.—Cutting should cease after this date in order to give the plants a chance to build up good crowns for next year’s supply. Apply a dressing of agricultural salt to the beds, and when growth is advanced feed the beds liberally; the drainage from farmyards, when diluted, being excellent for this purpose. Keep the surface stirred with the hoe.