Page 3 Advertisements Column 1

Southland Times, Issue 1168, 31 May 1869, Page 3

FARMERS AND GARDNERS CALENDAR, FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE.

This month brings us into the middle of winter, and consequently to the period in which the days are shortest, and long cold nights prevail, but although there may be a good deal of dull gloomy weather, frequent rains, some tolerably sharp fronts, with occasional heavy winds from the cold south and west, still, there are many fine days in which ont-of-door work can be advantageously carried on. Neither frost nor snow eTer lie long enough to stop either the spade or the plough, and, as winter is of comparatively short duration, and sowing time will soon be on again, both should be kept constantly going at every opportunity. Kitchek (Jabdeh. — Trench and manure all vacant spots intended for cropping during the coming season, leaving the surface open to the action of the weather. If there are any Bpots in the garden where the soil is clayey or stiff, it should be put in drills or ridges, and turned over occasionally, nothing pulverises the earth «o | effectually a» the weather, a load or two of good sharp sand dug in has a wonderful effect in j sweetening the soil and making it work freely. Plant shallots in rows 18 inches apart, and 12 inches between the pianta, most people plant closer, but by giving plenty of room for working with the fork, a much better crop is secured. Potato onions and garlic should also be planted the same way, taking care not to insert the bulbs too far in the earth; a good plan is to plant them in slightly raised ridges, when the earth may afterwards be drawn away from them into the furrows. There is little use in planting any of the onion tribe, except on rich deep soil. A top dressing of lime, or wood ashes, has a marvellous effect. If tlie situation i» well sheltered, a few early potatoes may be put in about the end of the month, which, if protected from sharp frosts by litter or matting, will come in as a delicacy in the latter end of November. Under the same favorable conditions, a few early peas and broan beans may also be sown, but unless very particular attention can be paid to them after they come up, it will be better not to sow any till further on in the season. Form new plantations of Rhubarb ; the first process being to see that the bed is thoroughly worked and manured, then plant in rows three and a-half feet apart, and two and a- half feet between the plants. Asparagus beds may also be formed. A very simple and inoxpensiya plan has been adopted in this country for the production of this choice yegatable, which has been found to work well. Select a spot of good |»oil, manure