GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR FEBRUARY.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 3, Issue 266, 4 February 1879, Page 2

GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR FEBRUARY.

written expressly fob the akaroa mail. Kitchen Garden. Now that we are likely to have occasional showere, plant out cabbage, cauliflowers, savoys, &c, &c. Ground from which potatoes have been lifted will come in suitable for this purpose. Let it be well manured, if possible, and at any rate thoroughly dug before planting any of the cabbage tribe. This is also a good time to sow plenty of white stone turnip for winter use. Towards the end of the month sow early York, Drumhead, and other cabbages, cauliflowers, Brussels Sprouts* Savoys, &c, for late autumn and early spring planting. Continue sowing radish, lettuce, mustard and cress, for salading. Earth up celery as it advances in growth.

Fruit Garden.

Continue to thin out all unnecessary wood in fruit trees. Branches that are overloaded with fruit will require support, for although they might not break, they get bent and spoil the shape of the tree.

Now that grapes are ripening, remove all lateral and other useless shoots, so that the whole strength of the vine will be given to the fruit. Some kinds of apples are now ripe ; if intended to be kept for a time, they must be carefully handled, else disappointment will be the result. Store in a dry cool place.

Flower Gabden.

Stake and neatly tie up all plants that require support. Collect seeds of choice annuals and perennials, propagate pinks and carnations, either by layers or pipings.

Cuttings of geraniums, verbenas, petunias, &c, may now be put in; they will give well rooted plants before the cold damp winter weather sets in. Keep walks, grass edgings and lawns neat and clean.