GARDEN CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER, 1868.

West Coast Times, Issue 917, 31 August 1868, Page 4

GARDEN CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER, 1868.

1 In introducing this calendar of proposed operations for each month in the year, I must remind the readers of the " Leaded" that, so far as each particular month' is concerned, it will be found impossible for the most enthusiastic cultivator to keep pace with tho directions given in some parts of the country j for, ' as will appear obvious on a moment's reflection, there may be a month's difference between two situations, on account of not only the extreme points of distance, but from the difference between hffl and valley, and between the north and south sido of a rising ground. The routine I propose is calculated for a place possessing all the advantages of the climate of Westland, considered with a good soil and situation. Experience alone will teach the amateur whether he shall operate before or after the time laid down whether at the beginning, middle, or the end of the month.

' I shall endeavor to give a few general rules for meeting difficulties, and improving advantages ; and with these rules and common attention a tyro will be able to make most of his garden.

I must always recommend frequent small sowings in tho place of large ones, as in case of failure of one sowing, success will probably ensue from some of the late sources.

Repetitions of the same directions will occur in two or more months, and it is to be understood that either the operation is required two following months, or that if it is not done during the first, it may be done during the second. For instance the direction may be given " Earth up Celery" in several months running — that is ono of the operations which goes on constantly until the celery is taken off the ground, so with many other operations. If it bo a thing which once done, js done with, of course the person who has done it at the first direction will pass over it when ho sees it still among the instructions. All operations in the garden are directed upon tho presumption that the weather is favorable, if not, the execution of the business must be deferred till a favorable season ensues. If the ground be too wet, or har'lfrozen, sow as soon afterwards as ifc is practicable. Take care to avoid digging and trenching while the ground is wet, and delay anything rather than trample on the ground when the earth is clammy, for nothing does more harm than treading the surface close, and it takes a long time, anil a good deal of working, before it gets right again.

Prune Fruit Trees immediately, if not already done.

Transplant Fruit and other trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, Native Plants, Hedge Plants,. &c, &c. The planting of fruit and other trees may bo carried on much laier than in some other parts of the colony for instance, the Canterbury side of the ranges being much drier than Westland, planting must be done quite a month earlier than tho latest time here, although it is not advisable to defer it too long, only when ifc cannot be avoided.

Beds of Sea Kale, Asparagus, and Rhubarb, may still be made, instructions for which sco a recent number of the Leadee.

Plant Strawberries in beds or as edgings to garden walks.

In Vegetables — Plant Early Potatoes, sow Peas, Broad Beans, Spinach, Beet, Onions, Parsley, Endive Leeks, Parsnips, Cauliflowers, Brocoli, Cabbage, Savoys, Brussels Sprouts, and Curled Greens, and Autumn sown plants of the above may be transplanted.

Shallots and Garlic may be still planted if not already done.

For Salads — sow Radish, Lettuce, Mustard and Cress, every two or throe weeks. Celory may be sown in boxes, or a slight hotbod, and a small quantity hi a sheltered part of the garden.

Make two or threo successio*nal sowings of Carrots and Turnips during the month. i

Hotbeds for Cucumbers and Melonsmay now be made, and it will be found useful to raise early plants of Tomatoes, Capsicums Balsams, or any other tender annuals for early blooming, or any other plants that are benefited by bottom heat.

Sweet Peas, Mignionette, and a few other annuals may be sown.

Transplant and divide all kinds of Herbaceous Plants ; prune and plant Roses ; prune all badly formed Shrubs in the Flower Borders ; dig the beds and borders at once, if not done before.

Plant all lands of Bulb 3 immediately. , Commence the sowing down of Lawns, with tho be9fc lawn grasses ; — this month is quite early enough, as they are apt to get patchy, if sown earlier.

Plants in frames or windows should have all the air it is possible to give them. In order to keep them short pointed and bushy, pinch out the ends of all shoots thai are inclined to become loggy. Go on repotting, sow boxes of Mignionette for window sills and verandahs. Musk Plants should be now started by potting, watering and dividing. (brasses and Clovers should now be sown for permanent pastures, Oats, Tares, or Vetches, and Ox Cabbage for cattle feed.

Land intended for Mangel Wurtzel should be got ready by spade and plough, working it several times before the time for sowing comes. This root requires very good tillage to get a good crop, and therefore you cannot work tho land too much. October and November will bo soon enough to sow, as it will not do if the season is very cold and wet, as the seeds then start and die off again. J. Mabshaii.