THE GARDEN.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 10

THE GARDEN.

WORK FOR THE WEEK. KITCHEN GARDEN.— The balance of the main crop of potatoes should be planted as Boon- as possible while the weather is- favourable.' All early beds of cabbage and cauliflower should now be growing freely; they should frequently receive assistance by keeping the soil moved around them, and: a dressing of coot hoed in will- also have a beneficial effect. Carrot and turnip seed should be sown, as there is now but little danger of them running to seed. The drills should be lain to 18in apart, sowing the eeeri rather thickly, especially in the case of carrots, as ■♦hese generally suffer severely from slugs whiie in a young state. Parsnips, beetroots, carrots, turnips, celery, onions, lettuce, parsley, peas, broad beans, cabbages, and cauliflowers may be sown during this month. Herbs '"of all kinds may still be planted. By getting in all vegetable «rops in good time they get a fair start before the hot and dry weather sets in. Tbe work of transplanting onions should now b* commenced. The soil for these should be deeply worked and heavily manured, as to obtain the finest onions large quantities of manure are necessary: Soot is most valuable for these bulbs, ano" should be applied once or twice during the growing season. Spinach may be sown now If the soil is clean where it is intended to sow. The seed should be sown broadcast upon narrow, raised beds, about 4ft wide. In this manner it will come on very rapidly} being w*rm and dry at the root; stagnant soil should be avoided. FLOWER GARDEN.— Where fine blooms are desired from the best varieties of pansies some little extra ' trouble must be taken, for which, however, they will *epay the grower. Seedling plants should be snowing their first blooms, and any that are deemed worthy of extra oare- should be planted in a xow or bed by themselves, where they should be encouraged to make a strong and free growth. All Sowers should be picked off •then? for some time, and if required for »ho"». purposs .hey must not be allowed to -carry any Sowers, until wit Sin a fortnight of th© date of., the fehow. Antirrhinums axe also -worthy of more attention than is often paid them. If a really good strain of- seed is obtained snd the plants, liberally treated, and the leading shcots thinned out so as to favour the production of large spikes, 4hey make a good show for several months, as they last a very long time in full bloom. ■Hollyhocks should now be planted out; in large borders thes« have a fine bold effect if planted in clumps of three plants here' and there over the border. These showy plants were grown much more extensively » few years ago than at nresent, but it was found very difficult to keep them, in good condition owing to the attacks of a fungus .which destroyed all ihe leaves. This does not seem to be so prevalent now, so that it i 3 worth while giving these noble plants another trial. 'No attempt to plant oivt ■tender annuals in th© open border should be made until the month is well advanced, «s although -the days are much warmer, the nights are likely to be cold and frosty for ■ome time. These, therefore, should still be kept growing on in the boxes. Carnations (may be planted out at any time during- this month. If young, healthy plants are selected •they will grow quickly and Sower well during the present season. GREENHOUSE AND FRAMES.— The occupants of the greenhouse will now require more, moisture as the sun becomes brighter. !& slight .syringing should be given overhead ■to all plants not 'n flower early in the morning during sunny weather, and the greenhouse should be closed up rather early, so as to secure benefit of sun heat to assist the growth of the plants. Fuchsias should be started into growth now. Those started fearlier should be repotted as soon as they jure well broken into growth; after potting, they must be kept close for a few days. must be kept quite near the felass to prevent them, from becoming drawn, £nd any green fly that show themselves must se destroyed, either byj» dipping or fumigaiW. Coleus cuttings inserted now will strike treely, and form good plants for the greensouse all through the summer season. Tuberous-rooted begonias should be potted t|p into small-sized pots. As soon as they

showed signs of starting a genial temperature should be gives them. At this stage nothing approaching forcing should be attempted, as the; do not succeed in heat. Burbs as they go out of flower should be placed in the open, air or planted in the open borders, so that they can complete their growths. Cinerarias as they so out of bloom should also be placed outside, as they favour the increase of green fly.