The Home Garden

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXIII, Issue 145, 6 December 1929, Page 3

The Home Garden

PROGRAMME OF WORK THE FLOWER PLOT. Weeds are doing exceedingly well, and unless attention is paid to them they simply swamp everything. . Give a little liquid manure to Gladioli that are sending up their spikes “Weak and often” is essential. Should there be a possibility of the plant getting blown over put a short stake to it. It is better to stake before the plant goes over. z Stop Chrysanthemums when about six inches high. This will cause the plants to break, and give two or three stems according to the strength of the variety. I Dahlia planting can be done; in fact, this is the best time for the job. The plantings of seedlings, such as Cclosias, Zinnias, Asters, Salvias, etc., can be planted. Border Carnations ar© sending up their blooms, and should oe staked. Portulacca is a dwarf, hot weather plant; sown now, it will grow and flower in the driest of positions. African and Frentm Marigolds are showy plants for the mixed border; they can be planted now. The Roses are at their best just now, ami need attention to .cutting off spent blooms. Should miklev or aphis appear on the Roses spray at once. The spray may spoil the open flowers, but it does not hurt the ones in bud. Once the foliage of Tulips have turned yellow, the bulbs should be lifted and thoroughly dried. A dusting of powdered sulphur on the bulbs when stored helps to keep them free of milAnemones and Ranunculi that arc over can be lifted and the beds prepared for other subjects. Do not lift Narcissi or cut off the foliage until the foliage has completely died off. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. The weather has just suited this section, and the growth has been marvellous. Weeds of course have done best, and have call for untiring attention. The thinning of crops needs timely attention, otherwise the plants get drawn. Not only this, but it clears the row of weeds. Peas should be staked as soon as they are a few inches high. Dwarf and Runner Beans can bo sown. Haricot Beans can also be sown now. Plant Egg Plants, Chilis or Peppers, Cape Gooseberries, Chokds. Plant Kumaras. When planting these plant at an angle of about 45 degrees. Make sowings of Sweet Corn every "week or ten days.. Tomatoes arc now making good growth. Keep the plants .to one stem, removing all lateral growths. Suray Tomatoes with lime sulphur for disease. Add a little arsenate of lead for the caterpillar.