THE WEEK’S WORK

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 934, 2 December 1933, Page 28 (Supplement)

THE WEEK’S WORK

THE FLOWER GARDEN. Plant Asters, Zinnias, Celosias, Salvias. Pick seed pods off Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Tender annuals can be planted now. Any shaping or pruning required by Camellias, Azaleas, Rhododendrons should be done as soon after flowering as possible. Sow biennial and perennial plants for next season. Lift Lachenalias and Freezias. Nerines can be lifted and replanted at once. Gladioli sending up flower spikes should be staked; a short stake now will keep the stem erect. Polyanthus and Primroses can be lifted and divided. Planted in a shaded position with good soil they will make good plants for putting out in beds next autumn. Plant Dahlias. Dig some old manure into each plant hole and put a strong stake to each. For all leaf eaters spray with arsenate of lead, 2oz to 4 gals. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. A late sowing of Peas can be made. Sow thinly and in deeplyworked soil. Sow dwarf Beans. These should be sown about six inches apart in the row to allow the plants to develop properly. Stop Pumpkins, Marrows, Melons when they commence to send out long shoots. Runner Beans can be sown. Those that have started to climb should have sticks put to them. Disbud, stake and spray Tomatoes. A further planting can be made. Sow Lettuce and Radish to supply requirements. These saladings should be sown every ten days or so. Celery should be transplanted. The trenches should be prepared as soon as possible. They can be used for Lettuce and Spinach till required. Potatoes should have the soil worked between the rows. Spray and earth up as necessary. Cease cutting Asparagus. Put stakes at intervals round the bed, running a string round from stake to stake to prevent wind breaking down the “grass.’* THE FRUIT GARDEN. Spray Apple and Pear trees with arsenate of lead to control Codlin moth. At first appearance of bronze beetle spray Peaches and Plums and any other trees with afsenate of lead, using one ounce to the gallon of water. A dust spray made of one part of arsenate of lead powder and nine parts flowers of sulphur can be easily and quickly mixed and applied, and is fully effective against Codlin moth, bronze beetle, black spot and brown rot. Outdoor vines must be attended to in spraying. Withhold stopping or pinching out laterals whilst the vines are in flower. THE GREENHOUSE. Ventilation needs as much care now as in cold weather. Ventilate to give a current of fresh air, but not so that it is too drying. Damp benches and floors two or three times a day. Ferns and foliage plants will do with more moisture than those in flower, and a spraying with clear water in the late afternoon will be an advantage. Sow Primulas, Calceolarias, Cyclamen. Pot on Begonias, Gloxinias, Achimenes, etc., as they require it. Any plants that have finished flowering, such as Azaleas, etc., can be stood outside to finish.