GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR APRIL.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 4, Issue 383, 6 April 1880, Page 3

GARDEN MEMORANDA FOR APRIL.

WRITTEN EXPRESSLY FOB TIIE AKAROA MAIL

Kitchen Garden.

Onions sown now will generally succeed better than if pown at nny other season ; the bulbs attain a larger size, and usually keep better than when sown in spring. Fair crops of onions, even on indifferent land, may be obtained by following the directions given below:—Onions require deep, rich soil, and attain greatest perfection on clay subsoil. Dig two feet deep, but do not bring up the eubsoil, which ought to be well loosened and thoroughly broken ; then apply a heavy dressing of the strongest manure, but avoid that of fowls unless mixed with other manure; mix the same thiough every part of the ground with a strong fork, and leave it in a rough, open state, or in ridges like potato drills ur.til sowing time. To make the exposure more thorough, change the position of tho ridge« frequently. As a rule, the longer land is left in the rough state recommended, the more mellow and productive will it become. At sowing time level and dig afresh, and if loose, tread or rain until it is as hard as a road previous to, but not after, sowing. Sow long scarlet radish, mustard and oresß; make the last sowing of lettuce for the season. A few eschalots planted now -will be useful to cut green. Plant an early variety of cabbage for spring use. Fruit Garden. Trained trees now require fastening to encourage the ripening of the young wood and secure them from the effects of the wind. Gather ripe fruit and avoid bruising. Before the leaves begin to fall look carefully over the orchard and mark where trees are overcrowded. At pruning iime you will then know what branches, or may fee whole trees want removing to allow sun and nir to pet about the trees. If something is not done to improve the ■quality of Akaroa apples very soon there will be no market for them. Floweii Garden. Hooted cuttings of verbenas, geraniums, &c, may now be potted, using light well prepared soil and small sized pots. Look over budded roses and see that the fastenings are not cutting into the wood. Those who contemplate planting choice trees and ehrubs will do well to have a good heap of compost, prepared to be in readiness. A little light and moderately ricb fresh mould put round the roots, if the ground has been previously well prepared, will generally ensure success.