THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 206, 19 November 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE FLOWER GARDEN The advice offered throughout our columns is mostly gathered from our own personal experience, linked with that of successful practical gardening folk and our information is delivered in the simplest possible language, outlining the speediest and easiest road to success. The flower borders and beds should now be cleared of weeds and rubbish. Constant hoeing among the roses and other perennials will keep down these pests that grow so rapidly this warm weather. All lawns and edgings should be regularly clipped and mowed and the trimmings used for manure mulchings. Dahlia and chrysanthemum plants may be set now. They are easily grown and the introduction of many new sorts stimulating the interest of the enthusiasts. Cultural directions will be published from time to time. Many gardeners are raising their own flower seeds, and rightly so, as half the interest in gardening is in the production of the baby seedlings. Never allow the seed boxes to become dry. especially if the soil is of a sandy nature. One warm day is enough to scorch off the tiny plants if the soil is dry. Sow now in boxes, portulacca, celosia, zinnia, amaranth us, escholtzia, petunia, marigolds and all summer plants that stand the dry weather. Perennial phlox, delphinium, penstemons, etc., should be tied and staked where necessary, especially if they promise to be good spikes, otherwise the wind may snap them. Climbing roses are sending up long runners. Train the shoots required to their proper places and thin out the unwanted growth. The young shoots should be sprayed with Black Leaf 40 to prevent aphis. Old stools of chrysanthemums are beginning to show signs of rust. Lime and sulphur sprayed once every week will keep it in check. This may also be applied to the roses. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Sudden hot spells peculiar to this month have played havoc with some home garden plots. In fact, many plants have perished owing to the sudden change in temperature whilst others call for quite a lot of attention before they regain the beauty and charm which is their due. Of all recreations known unto mankind gardening calls for the stoutest of hearts. Final settings of onion plants should be made at once before it is too late. Onions will bring a big price in the coming season owing to so many early crops running up to seed. Kumera cuttings must be planted without delay; they do not yield so heavily if left until the ground becomes dry. The great secret of success in growing vegetables is to keep constantly cropping. Make two sowings this month at 10 day intervals of peas and French beans. These crops will last longer and bear better if they are mulched between the rows with manure or grass clippings. What to Sow: If required, small sowings cap be made of beet, carrots, parsnips, turnips, radish and spring onions. The silver or spinach beet is a crop that never fails whatever the season is like and when properly cooked is delicious. Now that the hot weather is hovering near, our tastes begin to wander to cold meats and cool dishes. Prepare now for those salad dishes. Sow lettuce, mustard and cress, leeks, cucumbers and plant out tomatoes. American sweet corn is a delicious dish and can be sown in odd corners or against a fence. It makes admirable shelter for marrows, cucumbers, etc., protecting the tender foliage from the wind. Cape gooseberries are now available for planting out and require similar treatment to tomatoes. Celery plants are ready and can be set as soon as the trenches are made. Prepare now for next winter and make sowings of savoy or curly cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, borecole or curly greens. All the plants require the same cultivation as the cabbage. THE GLASSHOUSE

The summer light is now becoming very strong and shading of the glass should take place otherwise burning will affect the tender foliage. Tuberoses, begonias, should now be potted into rich, sandy soil. Some of the old bulbs may be divided if necessary with a sharp knife. Scale on palms and ferns is rapidly showing; spray with Geshurst Compound. Mealy bug on orchids and foliage begonias should be treated with Black Leaf 40. Rex begonias should now be trimmed of their old leaves and weak shoots. Weak applications of ammonia may be given as a liquid manure to most greenhouse foliage plants, loz per liquid gallon.