WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7238, 26 October 1901, Page 2

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

To Gardeners. Kitchen Garden. — Advantage should be taken of line weather to destroy as many weeds as possible by the constant uso of the Dutch-hoe — use it as often as possible, weeds or no weeds, constant hoeing improves the soil, benefits the crops, and prevents weed seeds germinating. Potatoes. — Early varieties should be moulded up before the haulm gets too large, a little end often is> the best system ; if the ground is not over-rich sprinkle a (little fertiliser along tho row before moulding. This will stimulate growth and increase the weight and sample. Asparagus beds that have been formed this season should have every attention, to ensure a good growth, especially during dry weather. A good plan is to put about eight inches of long stable manura over the beds, carefully pjacing ifc between the growths. This will not only keep weeds down and conserve the moisture, but it affords considerable support to the growths against strong winds. Onions for pickling should be sown; the silver-skinned variety in poor ground is best for this crop. Examine seed beds, and if any have failed to germinate well, make anotner sowing at once. Should the plants be too thick in some beds and not enough time to prick them off, pull up a number and throw them away, to give those left more room. Clear away old broccoli stumps directly the heads have be*n art. There is nothing to gain, but much to lose, by leaving them in the groupd- . ifpofßißle bum them, or bury in a, 4eep,iioU;-if .flier are left on the surface long l^hfry become objectionable and dangerous to health. Flower Garden.— The season for planting out annuals and batf-hardy plants that have been wintered' in frames or greenhouses has arrived, and this work will claim much atteution during the next six weeks. Commence with the hardiest plants and perform the %york thoroughly, planting a few at a time. This is better than rushing a lot in, and 1 only half-doing the work. Another reason for making hasto slowly is that there is moro time to give the necessary attention to those planted in the matter of shading, watering, etc., until they get a, start by making fresh roots, If strong, hoc winds are blowing it would be well to wait a few days, as these would' parch the little rootlets before the soil was watered about their roots. .If the plants can be kept from flagging they will give much better results. Dahlias. — .Although it is too early to plant these out in some gardens, these left whero they grew during the summer should be lifted, the ground! manured, dug deep, and the tubers divided and replanted". It is not necessary to plant a large portion of the old "tubers, as too many growths will not give as many good flowers as a few wellripened shoots would. Several varieties should be planted in a partially shaded position, one where >the plants wouldl get the morning sun, but a/ little shade from, »ay, 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. This will prevent tihe blooms from burning w&en the sun is very hot. Several varieties are quite useless if planted in tile full sun. Austin Cannell and Robert Cannel}, when grown where "bhey obtain a little shade daring the |b;ottesb part of the day, give a large number of g-pod blooms for decorative purposes. Tihe white varieties should also be planted in a similar position, bo that the blooms are dear. Miss Webster is a lovely white when gTowu in partial shade, by.% {grown in the full e*eh bloom is more or less tinted with pink, which spoils its purity. This variety is doubtless the best white cactus we hare*; others have been introduced a* being' much, better, but have failed to justify their reputation.. Keynesj white was advertised as a great advance on Miss Webster, but it has proved a A'«ry thirdrrate variety for genfiral purposes. By severe pruning «ni disbudding «xoellej)(b blooms can be obtained, but at a great ex? pense of time and attention, while nearly every bloom of Miss Webster is fhrst-daes, especially when grown undier the circumstances here narrated. Double-flowered peaoh#s have been very pi'etty in the. flower borderg during line past few weeks. The double white should/ l>a found in ev-ery garden. A welcome addition is the variety witb, purple foliage. The flowers are. single and not over large, bub tho purplish, leaves make the variety very conspicuous. Spring flowering plants are nearly over, and those that are to be moved to moke way for summer subjects should be shifted at once, and put jm p cool, eliaded' quarter. Double prim' roses are propagated by division — if they ara divided now. They must be planted close to each other i» a damp, cool, shady place — ft south a*peo& will suit them well. Where violets 'have to be propagated, . they should be taken up, divided, and re-planlJea, keeping the plants watered until they make a fresh start, for if allowed to get very dry red spider will soon attack them, Violets require a rich soil, and! a opol position, Princess of Wales is the best single purple variety. Greenhouse,— All glasshouses containing plants in bloom should be kept as cool as possible on hot days. This cun be done by damping the lioor andi stages several times, and giving a little extra shade. Water the plants Into in the day. This* give* th« plants a b^bt&r chance io absorb inor* moisture than they would if watered cwly. A little air should be left on during the night, to prevent an excess of moisture collecting on tlie blossoms. Pot on begonias, coleus and fuchsias, giving liberal ehtfts, and good soil, but be caretui with the watering -until tha roots get hold of the fresh soil.