OUT IN THE GARDEN

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 206, 25 August 1932, Page 6

OUT IN THE GARDEN

THE WEEK'S WORK AMONG THE FLOWERS Frosts have, somewhat caught many plants which were considered hardy. Make a note of the plants that have been frosted, also position and damage done. In some cases it will be found that by changing the positions of the plants they will be all right. Newly planted trees should be (irmly staked until they get hold of the soil. The planting of trees and shrubs should be pushed on with haste. Complete the pruning of Roses. Manure the beds and dig between the plants. Climbing Roses should be tied to the supports. Withhold planting of small tender seedlings for a few days till ground gets warmer. Protect Delphiniums from, slugs. A covering of scoria or shell is satisfactory if the top is kept loose. THE VEGETABLE PLOT Prepare ground for sowing and planting. Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli should be sown at once; they need a long season of growth. Parsnips should be sown this month. These need to be sown early. Earth up early Pease. Put short stakes to the plants when a few inches high. Make further sowings of Peas. Protect from birds by two rows of black cottori. Prepare the Onion bed. Seed can be sown as soon as soil is in the right condition. Autumn sown Onions can be planted. A firm bed is required. Make small sowings of Lettuce, Radishes, Leeks, Cabbage and Cauliflower. Sow Beet, Shorthorn Carrot. Turnips, Spinach. A further sowing of Broad Beans can be made if required.

SOME DAHLIA DON’TS Don't plant too early, unless you want to throw away your chances of good full blooms. Don't plant any bulb with more than two eyes or sprouts —one is better still. Wait until the tubers begin to sprout, and then you can tell just where to divide the clump so as to get a single stalk plant. Don't divide the clumps until you are ready to plant. Don’t feed the plants heavily While growing. Wait until you want heavy bloom. A good liquid fertiliser is the best for profuse bloom. Don't let all the buds bloom. Leave only the first bud on each stalk. Cut out the small bud stalks with a sharp knife. Big bloom will result. Don't fail to provide stakes if you wish to get the finest blooms. Set the stake when you set the tuber. A stake of four to six feet is usually necessary. Don’t allow the soil around the stalk to become caked. The question of moisture is largely a question of keeping the top soil loose. Don't start watering unless you can supply your plants regularly. They soon become spoiled in this respect. Don’t let lack of size of bulbs worry you. All you really need is an eye or a sprout. EARLY LEEKS The longer the season of growth allowed this crop the finer it will be, a point which illustrates the importance of sowing early. Sow in shallow boxes filled with light sandy compost. If a greenhouse or frame is not available, a warm, sunny window may be utilised. Sow the seeds thinly on a firm, level surface, covering lightly with fine soil. Prize-taker is a grand variety. PARSNIPS Where these have been allowed (o remain in the ground, all the winter, the roots remaining underground should now be lifted and stored in a cool shed or outside covered over with a little soil. The land they occupied may be well manured and dug before the busy season arrives, and by planting time will be ready to receive a crop without further preparation.