THE GARDEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 28 August 1942, Page 6

THE GARDEN

Seasonal Notes for Amateurs

BEWARE OF FROST Just as the plants and grass were coming away, snow has fallen on the hills and lhe present colder weather will probably retard growth considerably. There is also a grave danger of frosts, and if you have potatoes up it would be wise to hoe them up and cover, as far as possible, the tender shoots so subject to danger. Cover also any young citrus trees and other tender plants which you have, tempted by the mild spell, uncovered to the risk of frost. SEPTEMBER PLANNING Political discussions and Ministerial statements may help in alleviating the shortage of various vegetables, but it is practical measures in the home gardens which will prevent a shortage recurring. Many home gardeners plot in their minds or on paper the outlay of the various beds and mark off corners for vegetable novelties. Planning is a very wise thing to do, particularly now as it should be the aim of every

gardener to produce to the fullest extent. In deciding the position of the various crops an attempt should be made to arrange them so that roots, such as carrots, beet and turnips will not occupy the same plot as they did last season. The same applies to green crops such as cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Onions and leeks may, without detriment to them, be grown on the same bed this year as last. Potatoes and early peas should be planted in ground that will in due course be available for winter green crops. Borders can be used for lettuce which will be welcome for salads in the summer months. PLANTINGS Successional sowings of all hardy vegetables such as carrots, peas, beet, corn, turnips and early cabbages should be sown. Put in regularly a pinch of lettuce seed in your seed bed to ensure regular crops in the summer. In the coming month you may plant celery, leeks and cauliflower, spinach, spring onions, and, later in the month, melons, pumpkins, and cucumbers in sheltered positions. There is, according to authoritative reports, sufficient seed for the vegetable grower this sea-

son, but you should try to make the best possible use of the seeds which you purchase or have grown. See that your soil is finely worked and always, in preference to sowing broadcast, sow in drills. Do not, as many do, sow and plant out all your seeds in one batch, but sow a few only at a time. By doing this, not only will you protect yourself against any total failure of the crop, but you will have your vegetables coming along regularly as you require them for consumption. LAWNS Most lawns are beginning to show signs of growth and it is now time for top-dressing. For heavy land there is no better top-dressing than sea sand which is easily applied and will leave a smooth level lawn surface. Lawns in light soil should be top-dressed with good fertile soil. Unfortunately basic slag, superphosphate and blood and bone tend to encourage the growth of clover. Sulphate of ammonia applied at the rate of one ounce to the square yard will rid any lawn of clover and dandelions. It is not wise to use the roller on a wet lawn. Air is essential to the roots of grass and the lawn should be pricked over with a fork. This will not only aerate the lawn but will assist drainage.