THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 424, 4 August 1928, Page 28

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER THE VEGETABLE GARDEN The policy of The Sun gardening notes is to strive for betterment and to strain every endeavour to uphold the coveted honour of being Auckland’s leading garden paper. Our readers are invited to co-operate with our endeavours, and any article or photographs sent to us appertaining to the advancement of gardening, either as a recreation or profession, will be gladly welcomed and duly acknowledged. A seedsman's catalogue, while of extreme interest, does not always mention the exact varieties of different vegetables which can be suitably sown at certain seasons and amateur gardeners are often puzzled to know just the right kinds to get. The following varieties are safe to plant this month: In well drained and warm spots an early sowing of French Beans, Canadian Wonder, may be made. If the ground is wet and water-logged this crop may well be postponed for a fortnight. Broad Beans, Early Bong Bod, should still be planted and the main crop sown now. Cabbage for late spring use may be transplanted at. once, Enfield Market being the most suitable. Seeds of the following varieties may be set in thin drills or boxes: Drumhead, Succession, Early York. Bed pickling cabbage, is an excellent variety for boiling as well as pickling and will stand well in the summer months. Carrots. Intermediate and Early Horn, can be highly recommended. Those who prefer an early carrot for soups, stews, etc., will find the former variety the best. Cauliflower plants may be transplanted or seeds set for a later crop. Early sowings of leeks may take place where room is available. London Flag is the best variety. During growing periods they require liberal application of liquid manure. Barge plantings of potatoes can now be made of both early and late varieties. If the tubers are spread out until they commence to sprout and then planted they will crop quicker. While this is being done prepare the ground that no time may be lost. Early .Puritan, Up-to-dates, Gamekeeper and Arran Chief are four sorts that can be relied upon. Hurry on with the planting of fruit trees. Nectarines, peaches, apples and plums are all calling for your immediate attention. If they are left too late the sap will rise and plants will receive a severe setback. Bemons and oranges may be transplanted in warm corners. If set in windy situations a little scrim protection is advisable. THE FLOWER GARDEN Those who have not plant ed roses should do so this month while yet the plants are dormant. Newly-planted bushes may be mulched with rotted manure, which conserves the moisture and shields surface roots later in the summer. Six good sorts for the private garden are Geo. Dickson, red: Edel, white; Golden Ophelia, yellow; C. E. Shea, pink; Mrs. W. H. Rowe, mauve; Countess of Gosford, salmon. Bawns that are looking sick and patchy should receive a good top-dressing of soil, which will promote good growth and evenness during the warmer months. Bawns that are fairly good may receive a dressing of manure, blood and bone, supers and potash, say, 4oz. a square yard. The following hardy annuals may be planted out: —Antirrhinums, larkspLirs, statice, Canterbury bells, poppies, nemesia, primula and carnations. Stocks may do if given a dry situation. Cinerarias are' suitable for shaded situations. Bobelia makes a good spring border planted Bin. apart. Herbaceous plants such as canvas shasta daisy, golden rod, etc., may be lifted now, divided and planted out in fresh soil. If it is intended that they remain in the same place as last year, the ground should be well manured. By this means the plants retain their vigour and are able to produce good flowers each season. Cyclamen in bloom may be given a weak solution of liquid manure. Old blooms should be cut off to make room for fresh ones. All ornamental and flowering trees should be planted ax once, choosing brightly coloured varieties such azaleas, oleander, rhododendrons, etc. The following seeds may be sown in the open border: Dwarf nasturtium, candytuft, mignonette and Virginian stock. Sow the following in seed pans or boxes:—Dwarf marigold, phlox, pansv, stocks, calliopsis, verbena, hollyhock and scabiosa. Summer flowering sweet peas may be planted in specially trenched land setting the seeds 6in. apart.