THE HOME GARDEN by R. G. FALCONER

PRACTICE CROP ROTATIONS Rotation of crops in the garden is a systematic way whereby crops are so planted that a particular type of plant is only grown in the same ground at long intervals. Every crop makes certain demands upon the fertility of the soil, and a crop which is known to take out a large quantity of nitrogen such as cabbage should be followed by another which requires phosphates, e.g. carrots. Therefore at this time of the year it is most essential to plan the vegetable garden and if possible, where for instance tomatoes were grown, plant cabbage, cauliflower, peas or beans, and any area not required should be sown down with a cover crop such as lupins.

PLANT NOW Every effort should be made now to purchase Government Certified Seed Potatoes of a variety which has proved suitable to the climatic conditions of your respective districts. Onion transplants set out at this time of the year should be kept weeded at every opportunity. Early lettuce can also be planted preferably in a raised bed and transplanted when suitable. The ground into which they are transplanted should be rich in nitrogen, therefore several weeks before planting takes place the area should have a heavy dressing of blood and bone. Continue to sow broad beans in rows two feet apart and about four inches between the beans in the row.

THE HOME ORCHARD If the home gardener is to harvest reasonable crops of fruit it is most essential that the trees at this time of the year should be kept free of blight, scale, curly leaf, brown rot and anything likely to affect the vitality of the tree, therefore this is the time to apply what is known as the base foundation spray. When the buds are swelling and almost breaking, the first application of bordeaux must be made. It is also a good plan to cover the orchard with a winter oil spray. This can be applied earlier or a summer oil spray can be used in conjunction with the bordeaux application. Both materials are compatible so are safe to use as a combined spray. Strawberries planted earlier can now be given a liberal dressing of a complete fertiliser. If the home gardener intends to mix his own, a good method is to thoroughly mix three parts of blood and bone, two parts superphosphates, one part bone dust and one part of sulphate of potash. A further application as a side dressing can be applied during August and September. Passionfruit vines should now be attended to by cutting all lateral growth back to two buds from the main leaders, remembering that the vines produce the crops only on new growth.

THE FLOWER GARDEN Camellias have again become fairly popular and gardeners who have established these should prune immediately after flowering, as this is the time that the tree commences to make growth which will produce flowers for next seson. This also applies to Rhododendrons, Azaleas and the like. Dahlia roots may now be placed on a bench in a warm sunny position for the purpose of starting growth, which may be used later as cuttings. Standard and bush roses should be pruned and sprayed with bordeaux to control leaf spot. Autumn-planted stocks and poppies should now be at their best, making a delightfully coloured show, but as early spring advances preparation must be made to replace the area, to provide for a continuous show throughout the summer. Therefore prepare seed trays for the young seedlings, which can be sown in a warm sunny sheltered position under glass.