GARDENER'S CALENDAR FOR MARCH.

Southland Times, Issue 1221, 11 March 1870, Page 3

GARDENER'S CALENDAR FOR MARCH.

This month forma the of the season. . The summer has come and gone, and althouigti we may yet enjoy many fine warm days and stfll dewy nights, we are liable at any moment to be- visited with periods of cold, wet weather, sometimes even, with severe storms of hail, and bitterly cold wind. The gardener will therefore act wisely who takes the greatest precautions to protect delicate plants from sudden changes of temperature, and violent winds. Kttohbk Gaedek. — A final sowing of celery should be made, and that advanced in growth well earthed up'; this operation should be very carefully performed, otherwise the entire crop may be ruined. The best method is to go along the row first, gathering up each plant in one hand, jwhile with a trowel you draw some flrie mould all round it, the earthing up may then be finished with the spade in the usual way. This mettio|fl sufficiently prevents the mould from entering the heart of the plant, without having recourse to the very objectionable plan of tying, by \thich, through^ the material used not giving way in time, to allow of the swelling of the heart, ■a great many of the plants may frequently be lost. '"' Clear and level down all plots as fast as the •cropr Ere removed!. ,Dig and manure ground to. lie Tffiftnt during the winter. About the .middle, ofvthscmonth put ; in main crops of- autumn 'sownf onjpna./^lf not spwn till later in the season they .will 1 not b^ave attained sufficient depth of root to enable' them ! td i withstand the first sharp frost, but will 'be thrown out on the surface and destroyed by the succeeding thaw. The great requisite of success with this indespensable and valuable vegetable is suitable soil. It must be liberally supplied with the strongest manures, be deeply dug and well pulverized ; after forming the beis, say three and a half feet wide, by any length required, firm them down either by treading or beating with the spade, then level by a slight raking, make four very shallow drills, at equal distances lengthways on each bed, sow pretty thick, and cover in with the rake. Make a considerable sowing of white stone turnips, in a spot sheltered from the prevailing wind 3. If started off at once by a genial shower, they will come on almost as .well as spring sown, and yield throughout the winter very excellent turnip. So w. radish, . lettuce, mustard, and cress. Plant out endive, and tie up for blanching advanced crop 3 of the same. FfiUlT G-abden. — Continue the budding of fruit trees, regulate the shoots of vines, apricota; peaches;' and "other choice fruit-producing plaits. As apples ripen they should be gathered and plaeediaway on shelving for preservation i j be Very careful in handling not to bruise them. Form new plantations of a .strawbtsrries, selecting wellrooted runners — the best sorts are British Queen, and K-en's Seedling — give them plenty of room, two and a half feet between the rows, and fifteen or eighteen inches between the plants, although looking thin at first they will soon appear crowded enough. Select a sunny-morning-border of sharp sandy soil, well manured, and you may rely on having fine fruit even the first year ; water if necessary- until the roots catch. Look over espaliers to sfie that their fastenings are all secure^ otherwise they may be greatly damaged by wind. FliOWJta G-asdjsK — Keep walks and borders clean. During showery weather hollies and evergreens, showing signs of autumual growth, may be transplanted with certain success. Blue gums and other Tanmanian trees and shrubs may also be moved with safety. Water copiously every plant as it is put in, and stake Becurely, as the wind is almost certain to blow violently , at _ frequent intervals during the month. .