THIS WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 335, 21 April 1928, Page 26

THIS WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE FLOWER GARDEN When the popularity of a paper grows there is a reason for it, which is quite easily discerned in The Sun. Each month brings with it new subscribers from grateful readers who have benefited from its pages. It is a practical helpmate to all gardeners. The information imparted is garnered from the experiences of practical men —men who have made good in the gardening world. Plant seedlings of cineraria, stock and Iceland poppies for quick displays. Lose no time in planting bulbs for spring blooms, daffodils, anemones, ranunculus, freesias, tulips, etc.^ Much useful work should be done in clearing away plants that are fading, at the same time digging in stable manure. Carnation plants should now be bedded out, lifting the cuttings with plenty of earth round the roots. Pansy seedlings planted now will soon yield welcome blooms. They like a sunny position with plenty of light and air. Work the soil deeply and enrich with rotted manure, leaving the top soil very fine. Always remember pansies get their food by fine hair roots just below the surface. Early sweet pea plants climbing up the netting should have their side shoots nipped off to promote tall growth. Frequent liquid manuring will force plenty of growth. Once flowering starts, the blooms should be picked regularly, otherwise the flowers will go to seed and stop further growth. Sow seeds of the following varieties:—Virginian stock, mignonette, tom thumb nasturtium, antirrhinum, carnation, verbena, primula, poppy, nemesia, cineraria, lobelia, gaillardia and calliopsis. The autumn planting is equally as important as the spring. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN The Sun is out to assist the cause of gardening by endeavouring to give its readers the best information to be had. Each month we improve our column and are always seeking the vast fields offering for the latest and best advice. Always remember, at heart the gardener is the happier man. Plant broad beans now. Read special article on cultivation in column below. In sheltered gardens a late crop of French, beans may be attempted which should mature in about nine weeks. Sow the seeds of lettuce, mustard and cress, cabbage, cauliflower, winder or prickly spinach and silver beet. Gardeners do not fully realise the value of greens to the system. See article on “Eat More Vegetables.” All root crops may now be set such as parsnips, beet, onion, spring onion, early potatoes, garlic, shallots and carrots. Celery should be carefully earthed up if necessary, care being taken not to fill between the stalks with soil. Backward cabbage crops should be \yatered with nitrate of soda, loz per gallon. In all vacant ground sow oats, mustard and lupins, for digging in later as green manure. Lawns should now be sown while the ground is nice and moist. Three pound of seed will sow 100 square yards of soil. Rake the surface level and roll firmly before and after sowing. Cut back rhubarb stalks and give the crowns a rest and prepare ground for fresh plantings. Give hedges a good clipping before the weather becomes too cold and frosts attack the young growth.- Hoe round the fruit trees and shrubs, clearing away all weeds and rubbish. Start now and plant what trees you require for the coming, season and in your spare time prepare the holes and fill with well-rotted manure. THE GLASS-HOUSE AND BUSH-HOUSE All foliage plants and ferns should receive a weak solution of liquid manure every ten days to fortify them for the winter months. Shade should be reduced on all glasshouses to let in the now weakening sunlight. Creepers over bush-houses should be cut back to let in more air and light. Kentia palms and aspadistras should have tlieir leaves continually sponged with water and never be allowed to become dry at any period. Liquid manuring is also essential with this type of plant. Tree ferns are now making new growth and the old leaves that have suffered during the dry weather should be cut back at the trunk. Ferns growing in boxes or tubs should have 3in of the surface soil scraped off and replaced with good rich leaf mould. Adiantums and nephroliphis should have the old fronds cut away to make room for the new growth. Hanging baskets should be well packed with moss and new soil added where necessary.