THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 490, 20 October 1928, Page 26

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS CHRYSANTHEMUMS. —The weather conditions are now ideal for planting out "Mums.” and an immediate start is advisable if early blooms are expected. In procuring fresh plants obtain a reliable source and plant only the best; quality not quantity should be your aim. Place the stakes deeply in the ground and set the plants alongside. Press the soil firmly around the roots. DAHLIAS. —Prepare the ground to receive the dahlia tubers or shoots at an early date. If dividing up old stools be sure each tuber has at least one good eye. They are gross feeders, and a mixture of potash and blood and bone should be thoroughly mixed into the soil and left ready for the plants to be set early in November. SUMMER SWEET PEAS.—The seed of the Spencer frilled varieties may be sown at once in well manured and deeply-dug trenches. Where a colour scheme is required the seed may be procured in separate colours or a mixture of all shades. Plant the seeds from 6in to Sin apart, no closer, as the young seedlings just choke each other out and the strongest prevails, which is generally the colour we do not want. ANNUALS FOR QUICK DISPLAYS. —Most grardoners like to set annual and see them flower almost the following: day. Here are some varieties that if set now will flower almost the next day: Dwarf French Marigolds. Iceland Poppies, Pansies, Nemesia, Primula, Malacoldes, Antirrhinum, Violas and Cinerarias. Beds should be left for the hosts of late spring and summer flowering species. TUBEROUS BEGONIAS.—These popular bulbrous plants are now sending up their spring shoots, and should be potted up in leaf mould and sand. Be sure that plenty of drainage is placed at the bottom of the pot, otherwise the soil will turn sour. Rex Begonias should be wateped with liquid manure to promote fresh growth. THE KITCHEN GARDEN VEGETABLE PLANTS TO SET.—Gardeners who cannot devote the time or space for growing vegetable seedlings may procure the following varieties at once for setting now:—Lettuce, Kumeras, Cabbage, Leeks, Onions, Cauliflower. Tomatoes, and Red and Silver Beet. Dig the ground over well before setting and puddle the plants in. Potatoes should be earthed up when about 6in high, and if required another crop planted. PLANTS THAT REQUIRE ATTENTlON.—Strawberries should now be making great headway. The ground should be well hoed between the rows and blood and bone applied at the rate of 4oz a square yard. Asparagus beds will require hand-weeding and a dressing of agricultural salt. When cutting asparagus take all heads, small and large, to maintain a continuous supply. '*■ Broad beans showing signs of rust may be sprayed with lime and sulphur. SEEDS TO SOW.—Set In drills, Summer Spinach, Leeks, Brussel Sprouts, Borecole or Curley Greens, Broccoli, Parsley, Mustard Cress and Sweet Corn. Sow in boxes covered with sheet glass, Egg Plant, Salsify, Capsicum, Celery and Endive. Continue sowing succession crops of Peas and Beans. Runner Beans should be planted at once ROOT CROPS TO SET.—The following are the best varieties for sowing now in drills. Care should be taken not to sow too thickly, and so save labour in thinning. Carrots, for a quick crop, sotv Early Horn; for main crop Intermediate. Parsnips, both Hollow Crown or Student, are good. Turnips, the early White Stone are always reliable, also garden swedes. Beetroot makes a delicious summer dish. The best variety is Crimson Globe or Turnip Rooted. Long Red is also popular, but takes more care when cooking. PUMPKINS, MARROWS, ETC.—The weather, being more settled, seeds of Cucumber, Pumpkin and Marrows can be safely sown. It is important that they are well in growth before the dry weather sets in. For small gardens the bush marrows are easily the best, as they grow more compact. Have you grown the appleshaped cucumber? This is a splendid cropper and is popular because of its handy size. For a good keeping pumpkin the Iron Bark or Triangle are best. Sow the seeds in groups of three and thin out the weakest. SUMMER SALADS.—With this idea in view gardeners should prepare now. Radishes may be sown in the richest ground possible. Slow growing crops become tough and hot to the taste. Quick-grown crops are crisp and juicy. Mustard and cress may be broadcasted in the one bed, sowing the cress four days before the mustard. Lettuce, Tom Thumb and Mignonette are two campact varieties that are always crisp and fresh.