In the GARDEN by PRACTICAL

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 15, 19 January 1933, Page 16

In the GARDEN by PRACTICAL

This column Is Intended principally for gardeners with small plots, and the aim Is to make It as practical and useful as possible. Inquiries on any matter of gardenIng Interest will be welcomed. The rule for correspondence is that all communications must be accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. This rule will be strictly adhered to. This is your column—make use of it.

THE WEEK'S WORK

FLOWER GARDEN. Gut down the old flowering spikes of delphiniums. St.'ike chrysanthemums ana keep the plants moist afc the roots. Spray chrysanthemums at the first sign of brown aphis. Black Leaf 40 is the best spray. Cut off all spent blooms from annuals to assist them to continue flowering. . . ■ Remove any annuals which have finished flowering, and after reconditioning the soil plant late-flowering varieties. Keep roses healthy and in active growth by pricking in some bonedust: round them and supplying water. Lift and dry off any bulbs which-, require moving on account of being overcrowded or for any other cause. Mulch rhododendrons and azaleas.' If the dahlia clumps are too thick, remove some of the weaker growths. This will result in better blooms. Asters, zinnias, and scarlet salvias may still be planted. . . VEGETABLE GARDEN. The hoe should be in constant use to suppress weeds. Keeping the surface soil open conserves moisture, ant therefore means less watering Pumpkins and marrows require plenty of water. Give a good soaking while about it rather than frequenfrisprinklings. Leading growths should be nipped to encourage side growths. Also, growths should be pegged back if they encroach upon other, crops. . Keep tomato plants securely tied to their supports and remove all lateral growths. Add arsonate of lead to the Bordeaux spray to keep caterpillars in check. <o . • • Keep dwarf and runner beans regularly picked. On no account should any pods be allowed to ripen. Plant out all varieties of winter greens—celery,, leeks and silver beet.- •.:.-.■ '■ : ■■■.'.. .■.'.■-■■' V': '.•'■■''■"■'-''"■- ...''■'..' ~-■, -.-.-.