Gardener’s Calendar for April.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XIX, Issue 1815, 2 April 1886, Page 2

Gardener’s Calendar for April.

Flower Garden.—Finish the sowing of hardy annuals. Transplant layers of carnations, verbenas, Ac., if sufficiently rooted this month. Take cuttings from roses ; make them from four to six inches long, of fairly ripe wood ; put them down well to the last eye, and make the soil firm. The surest way to success is putting the cuttings under hand lights or propagating glasses, keeping the air excluded from them for two or three weeks, and then admit it gradually. Pinch off flower buds as they come till the plants are strong enough to bear them. As dahlias die off it is better to lift the tubers and pack them away in a cool place in dry earth or ashes. Poeoois and Dielytra Spectabills should be divided and planted. Narcissus, hyacinth, and other bulbs can be planted this month. Plant hyacinths in rich soil, with a good mixture of sand ; let them be covered font inches, and the soil male very firm. Edgings, borders, walks, Ac.. should have a thorough going over, and put in order lor winter.

Fruit G irdan. - Ground should be got ready by being wi lldug or trenched. Give a last look over for American blight If any trees show a too luxumut growth, put the spade well under and cut some of Iho Urge roots, taking care uot to injure any of the surface roots. This snould be done the first week in the month to he of benefit next season.

Kitchen Girden.—Those win are living near the sea coast should sow muliiliwer in a sheltered spot in the girden for spring planting. It is useless tor those who are living in the bush to attempt it as the frost is too severe for them during the winter months The last planting of cabbage, brocoli, kale, Ac., should he u runith. Sow China rose radish. The last of autumn sown onions should he in now. Strawberry runners, if not set out last month, ought not to be delayed after this mouth ; select the strongest plants. Gather up ad waste, and take it to a heap to rot for nomine. Great attention is requisite io cleanliness in this department of the garden : there should be no harbor allowed for sings, wool lice, Ac.