THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 538, 15 December 1928, Page 30

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

THE KITCHEN GARDEN A BUSY MONTH.—December is generally a very busy month in the vegetable garden as frequent hoeings have to be given to keep down the hosts of annual weeds that invade our sacred Plots. Hoeing and stirring of the surface soil helps to keep in the nioistuie that lies below the surface and stop the soil from cracking. an nen watering with hose or can, give a thorough saturating to the sou. Daily sprinklings are not much use as the roots only come to tne surface for moisture. . LOOKING AHEAD. —Don’t forget if you are growing > oui own plants for winter use, the seed of cabbage, savoy or succession, should be sown now. Brussel sprouts, curley greens and broccoli should be sown in drills and transplanted when large enough. Al these varieties are heavy feeders and the soil should be well enriched with a good fertiliser. THINGS TO GROW.—It is not too late yet to make a sowing of celery for winter use. Solid white or self-blanching are w orth> varieties to set. Sow in boxes and transplant when seedlings have reached their third leaf. Plants are now available for those who like to start early. Leeks can be sown thinly in drills for thinning out when ready. Don't bother about setting any more onion plants. It is far too late. SPRAYING.—Potatoes are now showing signs of blight. This is quickly recognisable by the leaves or stems going brown in places. Spray at once with lime and sulphur or Bordeau powder as specified on the packet, until under control. Any plants badly affected, cut out and burn. Early plants nearing maturity can be sprayed with arsenate of lead, 1 teaspoonful per gallon to prevent the caterpillar. FORCING ON. —Pumpkins, cucumbers, marrows, etc., should be forced along with plenty of water and liquid manure. Where sown in very dry spots, sweet corn may be drilled round the hills to protect them from the sun. Lettuce and cabbage may be watered nitrate of soda, loz. per gallon. Apply after rain or only when the ground is damp. MULCHING.—Now that the weather is dry a mulching along the rows of vegetables is the only method of success. Spread out rotted stable manure, old grass clippings or decayed leaves. If this is not available, the garden hoe continually run along the surface will create a dust mulch which will be much better than nothing. THE FLOWER GARDEN PREPARE FOR A BRILLIANT AUTUMN SHOW.—Dahlias and chrysanthemums are the two varieties of paramount importance for autumn displays. Set the plants now in rich, well-dug over ground. Water liberally when setting and stake at the same time. Zinnias, celosia and phlox are three of the chief annuals that make the autumn garden worth while. DRY WEATHER PLANTS.—When bedding out. two splendid subjects that stand the coming drought are the tall African and the dwarf French marigold. For the back of borders or centre of flower beds, the former is unexcelled. Plant 24 inches apart. The flowers are generally double in yellow and orange shades. The dwarf French variety is useful for edgings and bedding purposes and gives a pleasing effect if used with the former kind. CA RNATIONS.—Many fine blooms are to be seen now in the florist shops. These are only obtained by disbudding and thinning out. This may still be done if plants are a little backward. Mildew and rust is attacking many plants and should be checked by spraying with lime and sulphur. Spider and insect life may be cleaned away by spraying with black leaf 40, 1J teaspoonfuls per gallon of water. BULB TREATMENT.—Anemones and ranunculus have now completely died down. Lift the bulbs and throughly dry off and store until planting time comes round. Gladiolii are now' flowering in their full glory. Keep well watered if prolonged blooming is expected. Lift and store all properly dried off narcissus to make room for bright annuals that give a quick display KOCHIA OR SUMMER CYPRESS.—Many gardeners wonder what the ball-shaped, fluffy light-green shrub-like plants are called. Nurserymen call them kochias. They give an artistic effect when dotted about the garden and when fully grown resemble so many soldiers. Do not wait until you see them in other people’s gardens. Plant now before the weather gets too dry.