THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 514, 17 November 1928, Page 26

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

THE FLOWER GARDEN SEASONABLE IDEAS. —Of all seasons of the year spring is the busiest in the garden kingdom. Countless kinds of gaily coloured annuals and perennials are awaiting your attention. Here are a few of the best and most popular varieties to set now: ASTERS. —Seed of this popular flower may still be sown m boxes for transplanting later. Early plants are available now for those who require them. Set the plants 12 inches apart and 15 inches between the rows. Ostrich Plume and Comet are the two best sorts to grow. Mix White Island sulphur with the soil before planting. ANTIRRHINUM (or Snapdragon). —Set plants at once of this hardy plant for blooming about Christmas and New Year. Tango and Terracotta shades can be obtained and are a step above the ordinary washy colours. Semi-dwarf are best for bedding. Plant out 9 inches apart for thick masses. CALLIOPSIS. —The Drummondi and Tinctoria types if planted now will flower in a few weeks. Set the plants 12 inches apart. Both are useful for table decoration and are both annuals. The Granditiora type will not flower till next season if planted now. and so leave until the autumn Seed can still be sown. COSMOS. —In large gardens these should be very welcome, as they grow quickly and a few plants fill up a great space. Both double and single can be had. Set the plants in groups of three in odd corners or at the back of wide borders- Seeds may still be sown and should be in full flower for Easter. MARIGOLDS, AFRICAN. —These are splendid for massing together on rockeries. The flowers are useless for picking, but return a blaze of colour through the summer months. Set the plants 9 inches apart for a massed effect. Seeds can be sown for some time yet if a second crop be desired. ZINNIAS. —This should be on£ of the month’s special sowings. Plant the seeds in boxes and keep well watered until ready for planting out. Seedlings are now being offered by dealers, but there is no hurry for a few weeks. Early planted Zinnias are always disappointing and never last in flower so long as those planted later. Seeds of the following can now be sown:—Portulacca, Celosia, Salvia, Sunflower, Verbena, Phlox, Cockscomb. Heliotrope. Nasturtium. Pentstemon, Dianthus and Balsam. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN This branch of the garden is equally, if not more, important than the former, as many pennies may be saved if proper cultivation is adhered to. Heavy sowings of almost every crop should now be made while the weather conditions are good. BEANS. —Sow now French and Butter Beans, dwarf varieties. Most gardeners have already some coming on. but the main crop should be set now. Runner or Pole Beans require extra trouble and cultivation, but they are well worth while. Plant now White Dutch. Kentucky Wonder and Scarlet Runners. PEAS. —In warm, sheltered gardens a few lucky ones are now picking their early crops. Continue sowing every two weeks to maintain a consistent supply. Keep picking as the pods are properly formed, otherwise the plants will stop bearing. Where medium growing varieties are required, sow Daisy, Stratagem and Richard Seddon. If the soil is moulded up to the stems it will keep the roots more moist. TOMATOES, or Love Apples, as they are sometimes called, should be planted without delay. Procure only strong outdoor grown plants. For general household use Market Favourite or Carter's Sunrise are the best proved varieties. Small gardeners are warned about trying fancy kinds, as they have no room for failures. Do not make the ground over rich at the beginning, as this forces a lot of leaf growth. Apply fertiliser later when crops nr% bearing. CARROTS AND PARSNIPS. —In fact, all root crops should be sown thinly in drills and thinned out as they appear. Do not cover’ the fine seeds too deeply, otherwise they will be smothered. Half an inch is quite enough for Turnips. Carrots, Onions, Parsley, Lettuce and Leeks. Beet, Parsnip, Cabbage may be covered a little deeper. SALADS. —Hot, dry % weather means cold meat dinners, therefore prepare by setting Lettuce, Beet, Leek, Mustard and Cress and all the vegetables used for salads. Celery seed may be sown in boxes for planting out later. SEEDS TO SOW. —Plant in well manured ground Cucumbers. Melons, Marrows, Squashes, Pumpkins, Sweet Corn, Egg Fruit, Salsify, Cape Gooseberry and Endive.