Gardening Work.

Patea Mail, Volume VI, Issue 532, 12 June 1880, Page 3

Gardening Work.

KITCHEN GARDEN. In digging and trenching operations it should be borne in mind that it is advisable to get the surface soil frozen before it is turned down, or what is even more bcnificial in stiff soils, to turn it up roughly to allow frost to penetrate. The mellowing influence of frost in such soils is admitted, and the stillest clays become pulverised and sweetened in a great degree; moreover, where slugs have been troublesome, if the ground is well exposed to to the action of frost, these pests arc got rid of for a season or two. Secure potatoes from frost and examino the stock of onions, removing all which show the slightest sign of decayFLOWER GARDEN, , . After gladiolus arc lifted they should be put in a dry place for a few days, the old conns are then removed,, and the bulbs stowed away in bags until they begin to grow in spring. It is not necessary to lift gladiolous every year, ■many of the strong growing sorts doing best if left two seasons without being disturbed. But for some of the choicer exhibition varieties it is better to take them up every year and give them a change of soil. Look over dahlias, and, if any show symptoms of rotting, the decayed portion must be cut off and the tubers dried. In cleaning the borders where shrubs arc planted the use of a -spade should be avoided, as the fibrous root 8 are liable to.,be cut; hoeing and raking is sufficcnt to give a neat appearance to the surface, which should have at this season of the year. ’