THE GARDEN

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 180, 10 May 1939, Page 4

THE GARDEN

FLOWERS Prepare beds for the planting of spring flowering plants. So far this season weather has delayed the planting of shrubs, etc. Beds should be ready .some time before planting and an extra forking over will do' more good than harm, Rose beds should be prepared for planting. Trenching to a depth of 24 inches is necessary to ensure good drainage..„ „ As soon as the ground is moist ever? green trees and shrubs can he planted. Old plants of roses can be renovated by lifting; prune very hard andi replant in fresh, good soil. As the anemones and ranunculi appear 'through the ground stir the soil between the plants. Sowing and planting of sweet peas can be made. Put short twiggy sticks to tiie plants to keep the stems off the soil. THE GREENHOUSE Clean the inside woodwork and the glas.s. The benches and walls should be washed down with some strong soda water or an insectitude. Take down any climbers and trim and clean them. ' Pots should be washed and the top

soil of palm's, etc., should be cleaned off and some fresh compost applied. . VEGEirABLES Any seedling turnips, should be thinned out at earJiest opportunity. •“- ' 1 V* ■■ .'4 . Fork over, the ground between standing crops of Brussels sprouts, cabbages, etc.' - - A sowing of broad beans can be made.. These.., do best on heavy soil and in cold districts. Leeks .should .have a little soil .drawn up to them eyery Liquid mail/ ure-gives good-results. v Make a sowing o>£' onions for transplanting next- spiling. : f. .. Celery should be moulded up as required. Choose a dry day . and tie up the stalks lightly to keep the soil from spoiling the' centre. Dig over any vacant- plots and either sow down in a soiling crop or plant a spring crop. - A sowing of\dwarf peas can be made, f Choose a warm, well-dlrained border.- ... v- ■ THti ORCHARD Pruning can be commenced \ now that; the' fruit is off. Late varieties of apples and pears can be harvested; handle carefully. Cut out the old, decrepit, useless trees and prepare tlieuground for the planting of young Strawberry planting can be commenced as soon, as the ,soil-as ' ready. Cuttings of gooseberries and currants can be taken!’