FARMERS' AND GARDENERS' CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY.

Southland Times, Issue 1092, 18 January 1869, Page 2

FARMERS' AND GARDENERS' CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY.

. * (From Reynolds' Almanac.) In its general character, this month very closely resembles July in England. A dry atmosphere, great warmth, and abundance of bright sunshine prevail, with but slight intervals. Rain seldom falls in quantity, and when it does the peculiarly porous nature of the soil, combined with the intensified evaporation, soon absorbs every particle of moisture, and leaves the ground as thirsty as ever. Kitchen Garden. — In the beginning of the month, while the earth is still moist from the copious rains of December, plant out full winter crops of vegetables, such as London and Walchren cauliflower, imperial white winter broccoli, early york, noupareil, drumhead, and other established varieties of cabbages, curled greens, savoys, Brussels sprouts, must be all planted this month. It is of but little use transplating vegetables of any kind, during the prevalence ol great heat, or of scorching, withering winds, even if they are artifically supplied with unlimted water. Nothing can compensate for natural moisture, and therefore no opportunity of a seansonable nature should be allowed to slip in which to perform the operation of transplating. It is well in all cases, but especially at this season, to immerse the roots of plants in a mixture of mauure and mould in a semi-liquid state, so that a good portion of it may adhere to the roots ; this, with an after watering, will generally start them away well, after which they are pretty safe. Plant out lettuce, any good kind, with the same precautions, give them plenty of room, say 16 inches from row to row and a foot between the plants, and plenty of water for several evenings and they will do well ; several plantiuas should be made at intervals, to bring them in in succession. Plant celery in a moist shady place in well manured trenches, three row may be grown in one trench, allowing 15 inches between the rows ; during the drier part of the season give plenty of water. Sow ci ess, mustard, endive, radishes, onions, carrots and turnips. A final sowing of beans and peas may also be made, although, running a chance of being rendered little worth by early frosts. Plant out ridge cucumbers, if not already done, shade them from the mid.day sun and water well in dry weather. Melons should also be carefully attended to with water, as they will now be swelling off to their full size ; don't give too much however or they will burst in the crown and so be spoiled. If not done last month, marrows, pumpkins, capsicums and tomatoes, should be planted out at once, in good soil and under shelter. Clear off crops as they ripen, and keep the hoe going amongst growing crops. In lifting j and storing onions or shallots, be careful they are thoroughly dry before putting them away, otherwise they are almost certain to rot, gather pot herbs while in bloom, tie them in small bunches and hang them up in a convenient shed or loft to which dry air has free access. Fruit Garden. — Commence budding fruit trees on cloudy days, and stake the expanding shoots oi spring-grafted ones, displacing all suukers and shoots beneath the graft. Summer-prune all gross and superfluous shoots iv fruit trees ot whatever kind, and support branches which give signs of being broken down by over-abundant crops. Take off all runners of strawberries as soon as they shoot from the plants, except they are required for new beds or forcing, in this case they must be fastened down with small pegs either in pots or in beds between the rows ; these plants will also produce runners, which must be kept off to allow the plants to get sufficient strength for bearing next season. Gather fruit of all kinds as it ripens, iv dry weather, and if not wanted for immediate use, be very carelul in handling, not to cut or bruise any. Floweb Gabdek. — In this department there should now be abundance of bloom, and the careful gardener will find his time iully occupied in protecting, supporting or nourishing his favorites as they may require. Transplant, shade, and water biennials and fibrous-rooted perennials sown in spring or in the beginning of summer. Clear away the decaying stems of such herbaceous plants as have done flowering. Take up and dry such bulbous roots as the decaying state of the leaves imply ripened roots and fitness for drying. Support and water choice carnations, dahlias, and hollyhocks ; and propogate sweat- \i ilhanis, pinks,' and carnations, by layers aud pipings ; take care to water freely and shade lully every bright day. Cut lawns, aud trim verges aud borders.