THE GARDEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16749, 2 June 1922, Page 10

THE GARDEN.

WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN. Seed-sowing in tho open is not profitable oil the flat districts of Canterbury during Juno. Seed may be put in on the hills, where frosts are not often severe, and in the bays near the sea; but in the ordinary gardens throughout Canterbury sowing will prove unprofitable. But where there are garden frames, these can be used to raise many kinds of seeds, such as lettuce, radish and onions for soup. The small green plants arc preferred for soups by many, i and if the seed is sown in a frame the wee plants Tvill soon grow large enough for use. Small horn carrots, sown on light soil in a. frame, will provide a supply of tender roots that are much more toothsome than tho old hard roots stored in sand. Carrots and other vegetables can be raised in garden frames during the next two months. The only risk is sowing the seeds too thickly. This is a very common fault, especially when sowing small areas, such as in frames where the seedlings have fewer risks. They are protected from birds and bad weather, and, on the other hand, they receive less air and light, therefore the plants should have more space. If the seedlings come up voo crowded, thin them early, and thin severely. Keep off dug ground in wet and frosty weather. If wet. the surface soil will poach, and will stick to the feet if frosted. Keep off it while it is thawing. Walking on loose soil when it is thawing means spoiling some of the action of the frost. If the frosted surface is examined, it will he- found that it has been lifted up by the action of the frost. If the surface is trodden on when it is thawing, it is impossible to determine how much harm has been done. But it is certain that some of the good tlie frost has done hqs been lost. There is plenty of useful work to l>e done during rough and frosty weather. One most important item is to make a plan of the garden. Prepare a scheme for planting tho different, quarters. This will enable you to make out the order for seeds and roots, work which often is left much too late, both for the purchaser and the seedsman. Every spring there are hundreds of orders sent to seed merchants early in the spring. The rush is responsible for many mistakes, and much disappointment. Stocks of some varieties run out, and there is not time enough to replenish them, the result being that both are disappointed, the one for not being able to fill the order, and the other for having to grow some variety different from that which was required. If there are any trees to top, or cut ■down, do this in bad weather. Select all spray branches that ore suitable for pea stakes and point them while they are green, for it is much easier to sharpen the ends when the wood is soft. Tie them up in small bundles sorted into different lengths. When gathering up prunings from fruit trees don’t burn tlie lot. Select all that are strong enough for use. The prunings from apple, pear and plum trees make excellent stakes for supporting many young plants in pots, and for keeping the flower stems of carnations erect. The colour of the prunings is not nearly as conspicuous as the white stakes we buy from the seedsman. They last on© season, and are more suitable than many made for garden use. Wood labels can be made, painted and written on during wet days. This work has to be done and in spring and early summer, when the routine work is Dressing making labels is irksome and often neglected. Although some may regard labels as paltry little things they are necessary in every garden. One cannot remember the exact location of every clump of bulbs, or the name of every plant, and if there are no labels to form a guide is it any wonder that when the borders are dug in early winter, lilies and other valuable bulbs suffering from the thrusts of the spade? Seed fiats can be made from any odd boxes. It is not necessary that all should be of the same size*. Alake the flats according to the wood available. The seeds which are sown sparingly can be put in the small flats, and the larger quantities in the bigger ones. Open flats, for seed potatoes can be made from any odd timber. Alake them as open as possible and two inches deeper than the size of the potatoes. Stand the tubers on end with the eyes pointing upward, and then stack the on© above the other. Seed potatoes, stored in this way, are much more valuable than when kept in a sack, or clamp. They give heavier and

more uniform crops, which mature i earlier. These are but a few of the many useful and necessary jobs that can be done , during bad weather. GREENHOUSE. Great care should be taken to get as much fresh air into every glasshouse as j possible during the dull season. It Is a mistake to suppose that because the plants are making so little growth that they need little fre-li air. Plenty of air must bo given if the plants are to pass the winter in safety and make a strong vigorous growth next spring. Keep the inside temperature as low as is consistent with tho health of tho plants, but give them plenty of fre?b air. ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT. C.J.C.—The insect is a “ scale ” and you must destroy it or it will ki ! l the aciira. Red spraying oil solution is effective, but it must be applied with force and several sprayings are necessary at interval* of three weeks.