HOME GARDENS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 49, 25 May 1948, Page 3

HOME GARDENS

(By J. W. Goodwin, N.D.H. (N.Z.), F.R.H.S., Massey Agricultural College.)

PLANTING AND PREPARING The month of May is one of frenzied activity; firstly, to complete sowings and planting for spring effect, and secondly, to make preparations for the planting of trees and shrubs. The ground is still warm, but cold days and broken weather follow periods of light frosts and mild sunny days. When cultivated ground is in a workable condition, push ahead with the sowing or topdressing of any lawns -&hich may have been delayed. There will be less competition from weeds in lawns sown this month. In colder districts it may be advisable to delay sowing until the spring, particularly if the soil is heavy. With lighter soils there is little likelihood of the soil’s packing hard and becoming cold and wet. The greatest risk is that, if left till the spring, the young grass may not become sufficiently well established before dry conditions threaten.

When the soil is wet and sticky, more harm than good may be done, and we transfer our efforts to the laying of turf. This is the best means of repairing badly-worn areas, which have to withstand considerable traffic. • Turfs may be obtained from lawn areas which are being incorporated in borders or paths. Alternatively, they may be lifted from an out-of-the-way and- less-used section which is easily re-established by seeding. Turfs are generally cut one foot square by using a straight edge (or 12 x lin plank) laid flat in the required position, and cutting a true line with the verge-cutter or edging iron. A sharp spade may be used for lifting, but the correct tool is a turfing-iron, which makes the work very much easier. Thickness may vary from one and a half to two inches, but the depth must be uniform. The bed in which the turf is laid must be level or uniformly graded. It should be a little less than the thickness of the turf below the required level. This will leave the turfs a little higher, preferably ri-in at first and they will gradually consolidate to the required level. v Can Still Deal With Bulbs

When soil conditions are suitable, bedding plants and late planting of bulbs should be ,set as soon as possible. Do not delay; these subjects will make root growth and become well established whilst the soil is still warm. After frosts have cut back dahlias, cannas and begonias, they may be lifted and heeled in the reserve garden or the back of the border. A well-drained position and light or sandy soils are most suitable for this purpose. The sunny side of a fence or shrubs is often used. Cut dahlia tops and the longer cannas back to about 6 or 8 inches above ground level. I prefer to leave short tops on cannas, and most of the begonia tops intact. Do not plant too deep, but rather build the soil up around them. Place them close together and work the loose soil' well in among them. It is wise to heel in all healthy plants as there may be some losses, and again, you may need more next year. Take care that all varieties are carefully labelled either with their names or height and colour. Planting may still be made, if necessary, of spring cabbage, lettuce, silver beet and cauliflower. Raised beds or ridges are best in heavy ground. It is not too late to sow broad beans, and in light soils green peas. There are also favoured districts where seed may be sown of lettuce, turnip, spinach and beet. Complete earthing up of leeks and celery. Orders for trees, shrubs, fruit trees and perennial plants must be completed and placed immediately with your nurseryman. It is probable just a little early to commence the annual digging in mixed and shrub borders. Sites for new trees or shrubs among older plants or on steep banks should be prepared by digging holes 2i to 3 feet across and 2 to 2g feet deep. Well-rotted organic material or turf and surface soil should be mixed with the subsoil as it is returned,, and the poorest subsoil surplus may be spread around to weather. The soil may be impoverished and well-rotted manure and later blood and bone will assist the new tenant.