GARDENING NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, 18 May 1916, Page 39

GARDENING NOTES

(By Mb. J. Joyce, Landscape Gardener, Christchurch.)

THE PARMER'S GARpEN.

Now that the planting season has arrived, the farmer should lose no time in making up his mind what he is going to do, whether to plant forest trees as a shelter, or a supply of good fruit trees for his garden. Both are very necessary, as a farm' without ample plantations for breakwinds, and shelter for cattle, is very much behind the times. In like manner, if a farmer does not possess a- good kitchen garden, he lacks one of the things most necessary to his comfort and pleasure, for a good supply of vegetables and fruit is a requirement of every household. Therefore, I would strongly advise every farmer who intends to plant, to get ready as soon as possible, and prepare his ground for the work. Early planting has many advantages over late, as the trees take root and get established before the hot winds of spring set in. An early selection of trees is also a great advantage, as there is thus an opportunity of procuring the most suitable specimens before many orders have been filled up. When the farmer makes up his mind to plant fruit trees, he must not be too particular as to the quantity needed, as it is good policy to plant even more than he thinks will provide a supply of fruit for his household. He should make a judicious selection, which will provide him with fruit all through the season. He should see that the ground is well prepared, and the trees planted in a proper manner. Good and proper planting means good healthy trees later on, whereas, if they are planted carelessly they never make any headway, and generally turn out a failure. In the latter case there is no encouragement to treat them properly, as they are not worth the trouble, and are not worth the space they occupy. In planting fruit trees treat them well in the beginning, and they will be sure to give satisfaction. They must have ample shelter, consisting of a good plantation of suitable forest trees, at a fair distance-away, so that the shelter trees may not shade the fruit trees too much. The shelter trees ought to be occasionally cut back so as to keep them within bounds. They ought not to be allowed to grow too high, but should be headed back before they get too large. If treated in this manner they give more satisfaction, than if left to grow at their own free will. A farmer with an eye to business does not fail to have a well-stocked kitchen garden. A supply of fruit and vegetables saves him much expense, whilst, at the same time, everyone knows that there is no comparison between the vegetables and fruit procured from your own garden and those purchased at a shop or from a hawker. And if the farmer has children, they could not have more congenial or healthy exercise than work in the kitchen garden, after schoolhours, or during their holidays. Children should also be encouraged to grow flowers, as such work excites their interest, and has a refining influence on youthful minds. I always find that those who love and cultivate flowers are much happier and more contented than those whose inclinations do not lie in that direction. It is always a pleasure to see a house surrounded by a well-kept garden. If newly planted trees are not doing satisfactorily, and the summer is dry, a generous watering with liquid manure is very beneficial. A good way to water trees, so that the roots may be benefited, is to make several holes with a crowbar in the soil around the base of each tree, and pour in the liquid. By this method the roots are sure to receive the whole benefit of the

water. Then, if some litter from the manure heap is placed around the trees, it will form a mulch, and keep the roots nice and cool during the hot -weather. If this is continued until the trees are well established, they will benefit by it very much. The orchard ought to be cultivated and kept free from weeds. Stirring the ground often is very beneficial, as it keeps down weeds and sweetens the soil by allowing the sun and air to act upon it.