FARMERS AND GARDNERS CALENDAR, FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE.

Southland Times, Issue 1172, 7 June 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 frosts, 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 ever lie long enough to stop either the spade or the plough, and, as winter is of comparatively short dura* tion, and sowing time will soon be on again, both should be kept constantly going at every opportunity. Kitchek Gjcrbbk. — 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 spots 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 so effectually as the weather, a load or two of good sharp Band dug in has a wonderful effect in sweetening the soil aud making it work freely. Plant shallots in rows 18 inches apart, and 12 incheß between the plants, most people plant closer, but by giving p'e »ty 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 soill A top dressing of lime, or wood ashes, has a marvellous effect. If the situation is 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 j 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 inexpensive plan has been adopted in this country for the production ~of this choice vegetable, which has been found to work well. Select a spot of good soil, manure and dig it well, then lay /off as many beds as you ■wish, eaeh from four to five -feet square, plant in each three rows of yearling root*, nine or tea inches apart, throw on from the intervening paths earth' enough to cover, *he .plants, throw on a good coating of salt, and finish with six inches of thoroughly decomposed manure. A couple of these beds will yield for years an ample supply for an ordinary family. Force sea kale by a good covering of stable manure, first protecting the heads by putting boxes 'or. pots over them— don't apply too' much heat however ; it should take about six weeks forcing to bring the plants to perfection. Fruit G-abdkn. — The instructions for last month for this department apply equally to this ; get all transplanting of fruit and forest trees, bushes, ornamental shrubs, Ac., finished this month if possible. Plant thorn, privet, broom, sweet briar, and other quiok fences. Continue proning. Plant cuttings of gooseberries and currants. Drew raspberry plantations, and remove the wrapping! fegmj>nddJTigs^__ ____ _