THE HOME GARDEN by R. W. FALCONER

CONSERVATION OF MOISTURE IS ESSENTIAL: During the present summer months, the need to conserve all available mosture is most essential if the home garden is to be a success. In rural areas most gardeners are reluctant to use the home supply of water for fear of dry conditions prevailing over prolonged periods. However, if deep and efficient cultivation has been practised before the garden has been established, there is little fear of failure with crops provided that the hoe has been continuously used when ground conditions have permitted. The discriminate and judicious use of the common garden hoe is the means of creating a dust mulch which permits capillary attraction to eventuate. Thus the winter rains which have penetrated the sub-soils are returned to the surface during the hot summer months. In urban and city areas when town water supply is available and it is found necessary to water the garden, it is most essential that watering be permitted in extreme emergency only. One watering of the plants should be given–this to be a thorough wetting of the area concerned–and when the soil is in condition it should be push-hoed with the object of creating a dust mulch. No further watering should be contemplated within a week. Again artificial watering should take place in the evening and not during the day when hot sunshine prevails.

VEGETABLE GARDEN Most spring planted crops will now be coming available for domestic consumption. Immediately land becomes vacant it is desirable to replant for late Autumn and early winter use. Immediately early planted potatoes have been harvested, rake over level and sow down with carrots. If the previous crop has been well fertilized no further manure is required for this crop. In fact it is admirably suited to follow the potat family. If the weather is not too dry a further sowing of peas can be made. However, it is usually preferable to wait until early March before sowing a late crop. A further sowing of beans can now be made, Fardenlosa being a variety which has proved to be very successful at this time of the year.

KUMARA AREAS At the time of writing–early October–it has once again been noted this season that kumara plants have been offered for sale having been infected with Black Rot. As it is essential that this disease should be controlled it is most desirable, if plantations or even areas in home gardens are suspected, that an officer of the Department of Agriculture stationed in your particular area should be notified. Fairly reliable means of control are available today and if we are to even partially eleminate this trouble full use of the services available should be taken.

THE HOME ORCHARD At this time of the year plum and peach trees are usually ripening prolific crops of fresh and health-giving fruit. It is often considered that full advantage is not taken at the appropriate time to capitalise on Mother Nature's gift to mankind, and therefore, the home gardener should take full advantage of preserving and jam making of any excess fruits available. This is a great saving to the average householder.

THE FLOWER GARDEN Old established daffodil beds should at this time of the year be dug with the object of lifting the bulbs for the purpose of separating and replanting. Planting should take place during February at a depth of from 10 to 12 inches after having applied a liberal dressing of bone dust to the trench. Violets previously planted from runners during last November should receive regular cultivation and attention during the hot dry summer months. Ranunculus and anemones should now be procured from reliable nurserymen in preparation for early Autumn planting.