THE BUSYMAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 886, 1 February 1930, Page 34

THE BUSYMAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS In those gardens where a bright display of suitable subjects for winter and spring had not yet been thought of, it is* necessary to prepare at once. Many choice flowers can be planted now by seedlings, which will give quicker results and will be found more satisfactory than sowing seeds; that is to say, where early displays are required. Pansies, violas, Iceland poppies, stocks, primula malacoides, anemones, ranunculus and polyanthus, will all ensure a plentiful supply of bloom in winter and spring if planted now. Failure with Iceland poppy seedlings can be eliminated if. instead of planting straight out from the seed-bed, they are potted up in 4in or sin pots (three or four plants in each). After 10 to 14 days in the pots they will have hardened off sufficiently to plant out in the bed or border. Care, however, should be taken not to disturb the ball of earth round the roots. Although most amateurs prefer to wait until early spring, this is a good month to sow annuals such as clarkia, godetia, larkspur, Shirley poppy, scabious, salpiglossis, dianthus, etc. The ground being still warm, they will make good root growth and become quite hardy before winter sets in, and will give early flowering displays in spring. During this month also make large plantings of bulbs such as jonquils, daffodils, anemone, ranunculus, tulips, hyacinths, freesias, ixias, iris, lachenalias, etc. Trench the beds 18in deep at least; break the earth fine and lay the surface even. Plant the bulbs carefully with the roots downward and press the earth gently around them. Cuttings may be taken this month of geraniums, hydrangeas and penstemons. Carnations and daphnes can be layered. For those who contemplate planting roses, shrubs and trees late on, it is advisable to prepare the ground thoroughly by deep digging with an application of well-rotted manure to a depth of about 2ft in the ground. Beds of early annual flowers, which have finished blooming, should be dug over in preparation for further plantings. All tallgrowing plants that require support should be staked as protection from heavy rain and wind; this applies especially to chrysanthemums. Keep the surface of all beds free from weeds by frequent stirring of the soil. Trim hedges carefully to preserve an even outline. They will make fresh growth and look well through the winter. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Where vegetables for winter use are required, plants of cabbage and cauliflower should be put in immediately. To obtain best results with cabbages nip the leaves up the stem and pinch off the tap root from tile young seedlings before planting. Plant deeply the full length of the stem. The ground for cabbages’ should be dug as deeply as possible,with plenty of manure added, as they are gross feeders. These hints are very important and the amateur will be able to enjoy greater success if these instructions are carried out. Cauliflowers should be planted in as open and moist a part of the garden as possible. Where it is not possible to get both open conditions and moisture the latter is preferable, but care must be taken that the ground is well drained. One of the finest blood purifying vegetables is prickly spinach, and sowings should be made now for winter use. Seed should be sown not too thickly, and when plants are large enough, thin out. When ready do not pull plants up by the roots, but strip off the leaves only. , ~ , At this time of the year shorthorn carrots should be largely sown. Prepare the ground well and dig in a quantity of wellrotted manure. This should be well worked in and not left near the surface, for, if the strawy material is left near surface the roots of the carrots are liable to be forked. Sow thickly, and do not thin out too severely at first. When the carrots are about pencil size then thin out to two inches apart, and the young carrots taken out should not be thrown away, but will be found excellent for use in soups. . Celery plants can still be planted out into trenches during the early part' of this month for winter crops. Toward the end of the month another planting may be made for spring supplies. By making sowings of early white and silver skin onion varieties, and with the addition of plenty of manure and good cultivation, there will be a chance of a crop of young winter onions. Sow plentv of turnips. If sown this month they grey quickly. Non-seeding white is a most reliable sort, as is also orange jelly.