WORK FOR THE WEEK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7923, 30 January 1904, Page 2

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

To 'Gardeners.

Kitchen Garden. — Early and second early potatoes should be lifted and stored away, but the seed tubers may be left on the ground a few days, until they get quite green, as they are harder and keep better in this .condition. The ground that has been under potatoes will afford a good quarter for spring cabbage. Give a liberal dressing of good manure, and a little lime, and leave the ground rough until the plants are large enough to plant out. ■ Where space is limited, and green vegetables in great demand, spring cabbages may bs planted rather close to each other, which will allow the extra plants to be pulled up and used during the winter/ This practice is very general in English gardens, and ifc gives a large quantity of " greens " during the winter. Asparagus ; beds should receive attention now the weeds are growing fast. A liberal dressing of salt will kill the weeds and feed the asparagus. Should the bed be dry, give a good watering once a week if possible. Where kale and other winter stuff has been planted between potatoes, attention will be neoessary to prevent the potato haulm smothering the kale and other plants. Go along each row of potatoes and carefully turn the haulm back and lay it along the ridge, to admit as much light and air as possible to the* plants. A sprinkle of fertiliser would stimulate them into a better growth. Spinach for winter should be sown. This crop _oes not require rich ground, but to succeed it must have sweet and clean soil. Sow the seed sparingly, and thin the seedling plants severely. Each plant must- have plenty of space to make a robust growth. Tomatoes in the garden should have all surplus growth removed, and the points of the shoots stopped. It is useless to allow the plants to make more growth after this date — fche aim of the gardener should be to concentrate all the vigour of the plants to develop and mature those fruits 'that are set, as it is too lato for any further blossoms to develop and ripen fruit after this date. Cucumbers in the. open should have enough water to prevent them 'flagging during bright sunshine If the plants pre allowed to flag the fruits will be tough and bitter, instead of sweet and tender. Other troubles brought about through want of water are aphis, thrips and red spider. These pests will soon cripple the health and productiveness of the plants. Beans, both dwarf and runner, should have their produce gathered directly it. is large enough. If left on the plants the beans get hard and unfit for use, while they also stop further produce being formed, jtiecause the strain of ripening the beans in the pod is as much as the plants can Vegetable marrows should be kepjt well supplied with water. Any long shoots should be stopped, and all leaves that are injured should be removed. % there are too many shoots, these should he' thinned and regulated to secure a crop. Celery should be watched, so that it does not suffer for want of water. In rainy weather the roots of celery are frequently dry owing to the leaves conducting the rain water away from the range of roots— this little matter should be watched, and the plants kept growing as vigorously as possible. Hardy Fruits.— Early plums and apricots' are about over. If possible give each tree a thorough soaking. We have pointed out, many times the importance of this, as it is from now until tbe leaves fall that the floxrer buds for next spring &ro developed; thrref ore water as liberally as possible. Other stone fruits such as cherries and peaches, should receive the same treatment more especially if any are growing .gainst a wall or fence. Should the trees be attacked with red spider, spray them with an insecticide thafc will destroy the pests. Many plums and cherries are badly infected with red spider this season. Flower Garden. — Manyl of the tall border plants, such as dahlias, Michaelmas daisies, etc., are making a good display, but need support against wind.. A good, strong gale would destroy their decorative Talue, therefore give the plants strong stakes, and make them secure. The dahlias will probably send out a lot of growths after the late rain. -These must be examined, and all that are. not wanted should be cut away, as a multitude of soft growths will hot give good flowers. Carnations have flowered well, but in many places ' the plants have madefvery little growth, not sufficient to eupply enough for layering. Where the grass is too short for layering, take cuttings, put them in sandy soil, and shelter from sun and wind, but give as much air as possible, especially during the night.