HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 August 1941, Page 8

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

Fruit, Flowers and Vegetables WORK FOR THE WEEK VEGETABLE GARDEN. Turnips do not require so long, but young roots are more appreciated, so an ,early sowing should be made. There are still onions and shallots to be planted, for) these are indispensable crops. Masterton gardeners should spare no effort to complete the digging operations; seed sowing will become urgent when the weathei settles, and time should' be given Tor the soil to settle down. Much depends on the weather and state of the soil, and the Masterton grower will choose any favourable period for putting in crops. This applies to parsnips, which require a long season of growth if they are to make roots. FRUIT GARDEN. Apply the Bordeaux mixture to peach and nectarine trees to prevent the leaf curl as soon as the buds are'seen to be on the move. Out back recently-planted raspberries to within one foot of the ground level. Get the pruning completed, as the sap will soon be rising in the stone fruits. Continue to plant fruit trees of all kinds as weather permits, but do not attempt to work while the soil is soaked. Fork over the surface soil under all bush fruits; many caterpillars and grubs will be turned up to the attentions of birds. When making of new borders for fruits do not hesitate to give a good dressing of crushed bones; these will provide nutriment over a considerable period. FLOWER GARDEN. The following biennials can be planted out: bells, sweet williams, aquilegias, scabious and the garden type foxgloves. Overhaul the rock garden and see that the stones are firmly placed, fill up the and make everything tidy. Examine the gladioi corms in store to make certain that all are sound; if there are any sunken, brown patches on the corms, discard them. Seeds of the Margaret type carnations :sown now will provide plenty of flowers in late summer. Keep al! runners and yellow leaves picked from the violet plants and prick up the soil between the plants with a fork. The soil between bulbs in beds should be frequently pricked over to admit air.