WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4774, 14 October 1893, Page 2

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

TO GARDENERS. Kitchen Gabdbn.— -Much attention will now be required by the young crops just coming up to preserve them from the attacks of birds and slugs, The brassier tribe is generally the first to suffer from birds, and where slags are prevalent lettuce and other plants are often eaten down to the soil in one night. The depredations of birds are usually confined to the seed just aa it is germinating, and to check . them fresh soot may be dusted over the beds early in the morning before the dew has evaporated. For Blngs fresh slaked lime is the beat remedy, as very few of these pasta will venture where they come in contaot with lime. The first planting of Canadian Wonder French beans, may be made on a warm border sheltered from the Bouth. Use the hoe among crops in drills in favourable weather ; clear away the stalks of exhausted orops of broccoli, late kales, &c. and prepare ground for successions! crops of peas or for early celery. Attend to the staking of peas as they advance in growth, making successional sowings aB required. Summer spinach may be sown between the rows of late peas. Complete the planting out of early crops of lettuce from frames, which will then be available for forwarding the orops of tomatoes for planting out. The herb border will need overhauling to put the plants in proper condition for yielding a frequent supply during the season. For this purpose fresh plantations must be made of mint, common and lemon thyme, sage, marjoram and others. These are readily increased by division of the roots and planting in rows one foot apart. Where possible it is always advisable to change the situation of the herb border every three years. Potato-planting should not be delayed, the distance between the sets and rows being regulated by the condition of the Boil. In new ground the distance between the rows ahonld not be less tfyui two feet, and the sets one foot apart. . Flower Gabjdin.— One of the moßfc important operations this month is the sowing of tender annuals, as the display of flowers during the summer and autumn is chiefly dependent on them. Where there is convenience for pricking out the seeds may be sown in boxes and .placed in a warm frame to germinate. When the rough leaves are formed the young plants are then pricked out in warm frames in rows, the nearer the glass the better* After a few day* air may be given gradually until the plants are able to bear ft free exposure. Heliohryaums, rhodanthe*/ balsams, zinnias, dwarf French marigolds and dianthus are the chief kinds to sow, but of these the best varieties should be obtained. China asters, of whioh the varieties are numerous, play a very Important part in the decoration of the garden in the autumn months. These are sufficiently hardy in this climate to bear sowing in patches where they are to bloom, and in some reapeots this is a good practice if thinning is done early where the plants are crowded, as transplanting is always a risky process in November with these and similar plants unless they have been well prepared. The stock of dahlias should be examined, all blanks being filled up by immediate propagation, as plants from later struck cuttings are not to be depended upon except for stock purposes for next season. Verbenas, lobelias, &c, now prioked out in boxes, should have abundance of air to make, them fit for planting out next month. . . Greenhouse.— -As the young fronds of ferns come up, the old ones should be removed gradually, and an increased supply of water given to encourage a free and healthy development. Many ferns with tufted growth can be divided at this season and. repotted, but the knife must always be passed through a natural division of the crowns. Gleichenias are most difficult to increase, and the only way of doing.it is to layer the rhizomeß when they creep over the pot. Next to the Tuberous ; Begonias, the Zonal Pelargonium ranks high as a decorative plant • during the cumtner months. ■ Old plants which have been wintered in a light, airy house are the most; floriferouß, but young plants from spring-struck cuttings will produce finer flowers. The show and fancy varieties of this useful family will now require their side branches drawing down a little to give room for the lateral shoots and to increase the size of the heads. With a more Active growth commencing, liquid

manure made from soot will be an advantage in promoting a healthy, dark-gieen foliage. . .