GARDENERS’ CALENDAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 441, 30 September 1870, Page 3

GARDENERS’ CALENDAR.

OCTOBER. Kitchen Garden,— For the last nineteen years, with the exception of lSC4,Otagn has been visited by a storm in October, which is generally accompanied with sharp frosts anc heavy falls of snow. Those who have potatoes well advanced had better prepare forjthe worst by hvndingithom well up, .also covering the young shoots, and have some hough-, fern, or straw in readiness to put over them on the first appearance of a frosty night. French beaus and runners will be sown quite -early enough towards the end ot the month. Seeds of suy other vegetable may now he sown if not already done, as also any planting that remains to be finished. Sow celery on a rich, moist spot, and protect from heavy rains until it is well up, Sow melons and cucumbers on hot he Is; also vegetable marrow, purnkins, squashes, tomatoes, capsicums, &0., to bring them forward for being planted out. Keep the Dutch hoe incessantly at work during bright sunshine to keep down weeds. Stir up the surface of the groan ', as recommended in the operations for last month. Fruit Garden.—ln exposed places precautions should be taken without delay to she ter fruit trees in blossom. Some tall scrub stuck into the ground, placed against, a temporary rail, and secured with flax, will answer the purpose until more perraa ; nent shelter be provi erl, —a matter which never should he lost sight of by those who wish to have productive gard-ms and comfortable dwellings. Remove dead leaves and weeds from strawberries, and apply a mulching ot stable manure between the rows to keep them moist during dry weather the juices of the manure washed down by every shower will prove beneficial. Trained peacli and apricot trees may be disbudded removing only a few at a time, to prevent a sudden check on toe growth of the trees. On dry borders, mulch the roots of trained trees early ; and avoid cropping too near fruit trees, which require all the nourishment they can get without being crowded to their very stems, as is too frequently done even by those who ought to know better ;- as if a few potatoes or a few heads of cabbage could not Ire sacrificed for the sake of fruit-hearing trees.

FLnwer Garden.—Girauiums and other pot plants will require strict attention as to watering, and about once a week a good watering with clear liquid manure, will benefit them. Forward plants Mill require shifting into larger pots, taking care always to have some well-prepared mould in readiness for the purpose, Sow seeds of both tender and hardy annuals and perennials. Plant carnations, pinks, pansies, and other flowering plants. Verbenas, scarlet geraniums, fuchsias, and dahlias, plant out towards th* end of the month.