GARDEN CALENDAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 756, 13 October 1876, Page 3

GARDEN CALENDAR.

OCTOBER. Kitcies Garden’.— For the last twentyfive years (with the exception of 1851) Otago has been visited with a storm in October, and this is generally accompanied by sharp frosts and heavy falls of s n ow. Those who have potatoes well advanced had better prepare for the worst by landing them well up, also covering the young shoots, and have some houghs, fein, or straw in readiness to put over them on the first appearance of a frosty night. French beans will be in good time if sown next month. Seeds of any other vegetable may now be sown if not already put in ; and any planting remaining unfinished had bofter be done at once. Sow celery in a rich, moist spot, and protect from heavy rains until it is well up. Sow melons and cucumbers on hot-beds, also vegetable marrow, pumpkins, squashes, tomatoes, capsicums, etc,, tb bring them forward to bo 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 Garrkv, —ln exposed places precautions should ha 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 bo provided- a matter which should never bo lost sight of by those who wish to have productive gardens and comfortable dwellings. Remove weeds and dead loaves from strawberries, and apply a mulching of stable manure between the rows, to keep tho plants moist during dry weather ; tho juice of the manure washed down by every shower will prove beneficial. Trained peach and apricot trees may he disbudded, removing only a few at & time, to prevent a sudden check 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 knew better ; as if a few potatoes or cabbages could not be sacrificed for the sake of fruit-bearing, trees.

Flower Garden.— Geraniums and other pot plants (in-doors) will require strict attention as to watering, and about once a week a good watering with clear liquid manure will benefit them. Forward plants will require shifting into larger pots, taking care always to have some well-prepared mould in readiness for tho purpose. Sow seeds 6f both tender and hardy hnnualt and

perennials. Plant carnations, pinks, pansies, and other flowering plants. Verbenas," scarlet geraniums, iubliias, and dahlias, plant'but tovrimls the otlil of the month.