THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 230, 17 December 1927, Page 26 (Supplement)

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

AMONG THE FLOWERS For planting: underneath trees and shrubs on the lawn, petunias are splendid subjects. They soon cover the ground, growing in semi-creeper habit and yielding masses of cup-shaped dowers. A little water now and then is all that is required. Plant twelve inches apart. The last of the dahlia plants should now be set. Stake when planting and use plenty of well-rotted manure in the soil. Water frequently until established. - Creepers may now be planted. Nothing can disguise an old fence or tree stump like a creeper. The following varieties are all hardy and easily grown:—Dolichos, asparagus, mandevillea, mina lobata, bignonia, akebia and clematis. Sow the following seeds for late autumn flowering:—Phlox, petunia, celosia, cockscomb, marigold, cosmos, portulacca, amaranthus. The following seedlings are now available: —Lobelia, zinnias, stock, antirrhinum, scobiosa, asters, cosmos, dianthus, sweet william blue lace flower.

Lobelia Cardinalis is a plant of recent introduction and one worthy of summer planting. The foliage is a dull red colour growing about 1 foot high and producing spikes of scarlet flowers similar to a delphinium. The foliage dies back in the winter and comes up early spring. Salpiglossis are now ready for planting. They require a warm spot and do well in any soil. The flowers are beautifully veined and marked and the colourings gorgeous. Plant about 18 inches apart. Rose bushes that have finished their first crop of blooms should be cut back and they will flower again after Christmas. THE KITCHEN GARDEN

Tomato plants can still be set and often thrive best when planted late as they escape that wilt which works havoc among earlier crops and also fruit over a longer period than the earlier ones. Plant out two feet between the rows and 18 inches between the plants. Seeds to Sow and Things to Grow. —The following may be set now:—Peas and beans, broccoli, carrots, parsnips, radish, beet, turnip, parsley, lettuce, cucumber and marrows. Plenty of water will be required as the young seeds germinate, otherwise the fertility may be burnt out of the plants. Backward crops can be hastened on with liquid manure, and constant hoeing between the rows will keep the soil loose. Spray any signs of rust with lime and sulphur, tomato wilt and mildew with Bordeaux Powder, aphis, red spider and green fly with black leaf 40, two teaspoonfuls a gallon. Lawns looking dry and baked should be well watered with sulphate of ammonia, two ounces a gallon.

Preparation should now be made for the setting of next winter's crops. The ground may be set with oats for green manure while the plants are being raised. Sow for next winter’s crop borecole or curly greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red pickling cabbage, savoy drumhead cabbage, leeks and celery. Continue planting sweet corn in drills and thin out the plants to one foot apart. These are often used for growing round marrows and pumpkins for shelter. Continue to set cape gooseberry and kumera plants. Egg fruit plants are also available. Plenty of water will be required for every crop sown otherwise they will not succeed.