THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 182, 22 October 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Ever since the day of our first erring progenitors the garden seems to have been one of the problems which, although doubtless delightful when solved, are apt to be rather perplexing to the average man. Here, when your worries are at their worst, is where THE SUN steps in to offer its services through our Puzzled Gardeners’ column, open to all readers. . The main cron of French beans should now be sown. This vegetable is very popular, the best variety being Dwarf Canadian Wonder. Butter beans can also be planted, both varieties requiring a warm position with plenty of moisture during the summer months. If this is supplied regularly a heavy crop of good crisp beans will be the result. ' Continue sowing peas. If you have the early dwarf varieties sown plant Stratagem. This is the best main crop, growing about 30 inches. Peas like a good open position. Plant in double rows S inches apart and two feet between the rows. The double rows support each other and companion crops such as radish, lettuce, etc., can be planted between the rows. Transplant onion plants now before the weather gets too dry. otherwise they will not have time to form a big onion before the end of the season. Plant out cabbages, cauliflowers, lettuce and tomato plants. Continue sowing main crop potatoes. Early potatoes should be earthed up as tlfey grow. For preventing potato blight sec spraying directions in following column*. Early potatoes should not be lifted until required as they lose some of their flavour. Sow the following in clumps of three or four seeds in prepared ground; Pumpkin, cucumber, marrow, melon (rock and water). Sow in drills and thin our carrots, beet, parsnips, turnips, radish. Sow in beds or boxes for transplanting broccoli, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, curly greens, leeks. Nothing is nicer during the summer months than a crisp lettuce. Sow a little seed every few weeks through the following months for a continuous supply. All salad vegetables should now be sown, mustard and cress, leeks, celery and spinach. Nitrate of soda can now be used to advantage on all crops that have been at a standstill. Apply in a liquid state, loz per gallon to all succulent leafed plants. If the weather threatens rain use ioz per square yard and fork in. THE FLOWER GARDEN There is more planting during October than any other month of the year. If one wishes to have a wealth of bloom, commence now and sow the right seed. The following varieties are recommended because of their easy cultivation and sterling qualities:— Cosmos. —Flowers borne in loose clusters, and, being tall growing, should bo sown at the back of borders and thinned out well. Clarkia (double flowering). —Shown to best advantage when massed in sheltered positions. , r . Larkspur (rosy scarlet). —Blooms are produced on long, graceful spikes and are of exceptional value for cutting. Didiscus (the Blue Lace Flower). —Now becoming so popular with florists. Sow where to remain, as they are not successful when ll "'Marigold' French (Giant Tree). —One of the most prolific of all summer-flowering annuals; requires plenty of space. Grows six to eight feet high and blooms well Into winter. Phlox Drumrnondi grandiflora. —Unsurpassed for massing. 1 roduces a charming profusion of brilliantly-coloured flowers. Petunia (bedding). —Exceedingly hardy. Withstands heat well, free-flowering, and specially valuable for cutting. Sal pi g lossis, Emperor.— Richly veined flowers, of gieat value in 'zinni'a'robusta plenissima— Brilliant hardy annuals. Valuable on account of the long time they remain m bloom. veiy lew anmnUs above list can be added a few more of the hardiest varieties worth growing, such as miniature sunflower, balsam, escholtzia, salvia (bonfire), lobelia, lupins, take The transplanting and thinning out ot violets should take place next month. New beds or borders should be well manured and for planting. This little -Herald of 6ehould receive more attention than we are wont to give and the best results are obtained by dividing and resetting eveiy two 01 tine years. beginning to make Its appearance on different tender shooU in the Spray with Black Leaf 40 H per gallon in soapy water. The plants most affected are loses, stocks and antohmumSn iag should be planted in pots for summer displays Most ferns should be repotted and cleaned Aspadistras and palms can be manured and trimmed up Christmas.