GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR DECEMBER.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 249, 6 December 1878, Page 2

GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR DECEMBER.

written expressly for the akaroa mail. Kitchen Garden. The absence, of rain, is a serious drawback to the cultivation. of vegetables, which are dependent on a good supply of moisture. Pea 3 are suffering considerably, and are podding prematurely. Where water is available, let them have a good supply. "In ground that has been well trenched and manured the crops are still looking well; still, nothing compensates for the absence of rain. Keep the ground loose by frequent hoeing. It is not advisable to do much raking except for covering seeds or removing weeds. Thin out all advancing crops; in general, onions are allowed to stand too thick. Sow and plant successional crops. Fruit* Garden. Pears in bunches seldom mature perfectly ; one or two of them are either stunted or attacked by the worm, which will attack the others probably too if not removed. All imperfect mis-shapen specimens should be refnoved. Fruit smaller than the average, though they may look healthy, will seldom ripen well or retain the flavor of the variety. The trnth is, growers should not be afraid to thin; two full-sized perfect fruit specimens are surely better than, throe or four small ones. Attend to summer* regulating of stone fruit. Remove all superfluous wood, and wnere shoots are over luxuriant, shorten them to preserve the balance of the tree. Flower .Garden. Thin out the patches of annuals, and if there are blanks to fill up, small clumps may be transplanted. The. dry weather has brought out the roses in legions, but.

their duration has been short, owing lo drought and wind combined. Prevent the formation of seed peds by removing faded blooms; this will strengthen the plant and increase the size of the succession;*.! buds. Stake dahlias and tie up pinks and carnations. Pansies may be propagated ; a thin shoot near the root is the beat cutting, as it makes better plants than a strong piece of sappy wood. Tulips that are ripened should be taken up.