GARDEN CALENDAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 703, 8 October 1875, Page 4

GARDEN CALENDAR.

OCTOBER. Kitchen Garden.—For the last twentyfour years (with the exception of 1864) Otago has been Visited With a storm in October, and this is generally accompanied by sharp frosts and heavy falls of snow. Those who have potatoes well odvanced hat better prepare for the Worst by landing them well up, also covering tho young shoots ; and have some boughs, fern, or straw in readiness to put over them on tho first appearance of a frosty night. French boms will be in good time it sown next month. Seeds of any other vegetable may mow be sown if not already put in ; and any planting remaining unfinished had bettor be •done at once. Sow celery in a rich, moist Upot, and protect from ho»vy rains until it is well up. Sow melons and cucumbers on hot-beds ; also, vegetable marrow, pumkins, squashes, tomatoes, capsicums, &0., to bring them forward to be planted out. Keep the Dutch hoe incessantly at work during bright sunshine. Stir up the surface of the ground, as recommended in the direction for last month. Fruit Garden.—ln exposed places precautions should be taken without delay to shelter 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 permanent shelter be provided—a matter which should never be lost sight of by those who wish to Lave productive gardens and comfortable dwellings. Remove weeds and dead leaves from strawberries, and apply a mulching of stable manure between the rows, to keep the plants moist during dry weather ; the juice of the manure washed down by every shower will prove beneficial. Trained peach and apricot trees may be disbudded, removing only a few at a time, to prevent a sudden chock on the growth of the trees. On dry borders, mulch the roots of trained trees early. Avoid cropping too near fruit trees, as is too frequently done by those who ought to know better ; —as if a few potatoes or cabbages could not be sacrificed for tbe sake of fruit-bearing trees. Flower Garden. —Geraniums and other pot plants (in-doors) will require strict attention as to watering, and about onee a week a good watering with clear liquid manure will benefit them. Forward plants will require shifting into larger po l s, 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, fuchias, and dahlias : •plant out towards the end of the month.