THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 246, 7 January 1928, Page 24

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE FLOWER GARDEN Xow that the days are so warm the seed beds will require daily attention, otherwise the young seedlings will become dried up. Protect and shade the growing seeds with scrim or covering and never allow them to become dry. Fungoid diseases are generally in evidence this month. Lime and sulphur or any of the recognised fungicides will immediately check the spread of these destructive diseases. Beauty or early flowering stock seed may be set in boxes. This variety is very popular because of the flower it yields in the winter. Place the seed boxes in the shade and water well. Gaillardia and calliopsis are two varieties that are popular and hardy. If the seed is sown now the plants will flower the first year. Full cultural directions will be published as the young plants begin Poppy, Iceland. —The seed of this well-known annual should be sown now for blooming early in the winter. Sow in boxes and transplant to 12 inches apart. Cover the seed with sand and fine soil. Pansy, for borders and bedding.—Nothing can beat this noble plant. If sown early they commence flowering early and continue for many months. Many other attractive varieties may be sown, such as mignonette, Virginian stock, antirrhinum, beauty stock, nemesia and larkspur. Hollyhock, one of the most beautiful of the English flowers. — Seeds sown now will flower late summer; particularly suitable for planting at the back of borders. Grows about S feet and is very deep-rooted. Carnation, marguerite, everybody’s favourite and easily raised from seed. Plant in boxes and transplant when ready to IS inches apart. These succeed in almost any soil. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN The gardener who is an enthusiast —most gardeners are—will find much to claim his interest in the kitchen garden within the next few weeks as preparation’s for winter should now take place. The fly is beginning to make its appearance in thegarden. Its ravages may be kept in check by spraying with black leaf 40 in soapy water. Plant out the following seedlings if large enough:—Broccoli, savoys, cabbage, celery, leeks, kale. Earth up potatoes and pinch back the runners of cucumbers, marrows and pumpkins. Tomatoes will stiill need trimming and cutting away the surplus growth. Those varieties in flower can be heavily manured to increase the number and colour of the fruit. Sow seeds of the following:—Turnips, radish, parsley, beet, carrot and lettuce. Soak the ground after sowing in drills. Continue planting beans and peas for a late crop to mature in about seven weeks. Those now ready should be picked as soon as the pods are full so as to help the rest to mature.