THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 122, 13 August 1927, Page 26

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN The weather is still very trying for those enthusiasts who like to start early with their spring operations. Attention must now be paid to the sowing of certain crops for summer and autumn use. Make small sowings of early celery and tomatoes in a box, protected if posible. Use only rich, line soil and don't sow the seed too thickly as the plants will only draw and become spindly. Large sowings of vegetable seeds should now take place. A catalogue, while of extreme interest, does not always suggest the best varieties to and the amateur gardener when making up his order is sometimes at a loss to know what to get. The following varieties can be safely sown this month with good results: —Peas, William Hurst; Beans, French and Broad; Cabbage, Enfield Market; Cauliflower, Early London; Carrots, Early Horn and Manchester Table; Parsnips: Hollow Crown: Tomato, Carters Sunrise; Mustard and Cress, Beet, Turnip and Long Red. Large planting of potatoes can now be made of both early and late varieties. Leave the tubers spread out in boxes to sprout and when planted they will crop quicker. While the seed is sprouting dig and trench the ground well, burying the refuse and weeds from the garden. Apply dressings of potash, superphosphate and kainet to the onion beds. Rake and re-rake the surface of the ground. Plant the seedlings in rows 9in. apart and 12in. between the rows. Brown Spanish are recognised as the best keepers. Straw Spanish is a large onion maturing a few weeks before the former variety. THE FLOWER GARDEN Many flowers are now blooming in pots, among the foremost of these are cyclamen and primulas. To ensure a longer flowering period the old flower stems of the primula should be cut off. Both these varieties should receive weak solutions of liquid Where* the fronds of the maiden hair are turning brown they should be cut off unless wanted for seed spores. Nephroliphis fern fronds are sometimes inclined to turn yellow: these should be cut away to allow the new growth to break forth. New seeds of all the spring plants are now available. If you have not a glass frame or house, don’t rush to sow these varieties too early. Better results will *be obtained when the weather resumes its normal condition. Many gardeners sow salvia, zinna, portulacca, celosia and cockscomb far too early. These varieties should not be planted until the waring weather. It takes the experienced nurseryman all his time to raise these sorts early. Sow the following spring seeds now:—Phlox, French and African marigold, candytuft, aster, cosmos, pansy, lobelia, Virginian stock, poppy and /erbena. Give careful attention to all borders. Trim up the old lobelia edgings thinning out where too thick and planting surplus where needed. Pansy and viola are well worth considering if a new border is considered. Break up all carpet bedding and plant in boxes for coming summer use. Begonias, verbena, petunia and double lobelia may be struck from cuttings. Only by looking ahead may we be ready for the coming summer months. GENERAL WORK All flowering shrubs that are now deciduous may be pruned back to enable them to throw out new wood. Good examples are hydrangea, hibiscuss, etc. Those who have not yet planted roses should do so without delay before the sap begins to rise and the buds burst into growth. Mulch the old plants with well-rotted manure or grass clippings; the benefit of this will be seen in the summer when the strong healthy plants will resist the hot weather. The topdressing of lawns should now be commenced. A good application of soil spread over the surface will promote satisfactory growth and evenness during the summer months. All fruit trees and shrubs must be planted this month. Bon’t delay unless you can afford to wait till next season. Spray all deciduous trees with lime and sulphur to clear off any sign of moss or scale.