THE WEEK’S WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 579, 8 October 1932, Page 23 (Supplement)

THE WEEK’S WORK.

THE FLOWER GARDEN. Sow hardy annuals. Poppies, Nigella, Godetia, Eschscholtzit do not transplant—sow where they are to grow. Sweet Peas must have the growths tied up to the supports. Pinch out weak lateral shoots. Restrict the plants to three or so strong growths. Take cuttings of Perennial Phlox. These will make good plants and flower this year if looked after. Michaelmas Daisies should be taken up and the clumps divided. Plant up single offsets. Plants of lemon-scented Verbena (Aloj-sia citriodora) should be pruned hard back. When Deutzia gracilis and D. Lemoinei go out of flower prune the plants back hard to encourage the production of strong shoots. Seeds of Aquilegias, Polyanthus and Primroses can be sown this next few weeks. The spent flowers of Anemones and Ranunculi should be picked off to prevent seeding. Some of the more tender shrubs, such as Bougainvillea, Daphnes, Abutilons, can be planted now. Hardy ferns should have the old fronds cut away. This is bedding plant time—fill the beds with Asters, Stocks, Antirrhinum, Phlox, Cosmos, Marigolds, Nemesia, Verbena, etc. For edgings use Aubretia, Lobelia, Ageratum or Dwarf Marigolds. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. Sow Brussel Sprouts and Broccoli. Sow Parsnips, main crop Carrots, Beet. Plant autumn-sown Onions. A few Tomatoes can be planted in sheltered gardens. Make further sowings of Peas. Those that are tip should have sticks put to them. Sow Vegetable Marrows and Pumpkins. Sow Turnips, Lettuce, Mustard and Cress. Sow Round Spinach. This matures quickly and can be sown as a catch crop between Peas, etc. Further plantings of Potatoes can be made. Spray, manure and earth up those that were planted earlier. Early thinning of seedling crops and frequent stirring of the soil are essential to good growth. Prepare the ground for Runner Beans. A sowing can be made in sheltered gardens. In cold districts the Runner Beans can be hastened by sowing in pots and k eeping in shelter till good weather is assured. Asparagus planting can be done now. Established beds should be cleansed and manured.