USEFUL HINTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 554, 5 January 1929, Page 24

USEFUL HINTS

SUMMER WATERING—We are all agreed that watering the garden during early morning or late in the afternoon is the best time. But where a large area has to be dealt with this is not always possible. If obliged to do the hosing while the sun, especially during mid-summer, is hot, give the plants plenty of water, and the surface heat of the soil will not scald the plants. Slight sprinkling during, the heat is dangerous.

Thorough cultivation of the soil during the growing stages of a plant is the secret of success. Clean gardens are much more attractive, and do not supply the same facilities for breeding insect pests and diseases. Snails, though not rapid in their movements, are capable of covering a considerable distance to and from their feeding grounds. TAKE CARE OF YOUR TOOLS— Garden tools are as much entitled to attention as any of the other furnishings that make the home attractive. A rub over the blade of a spade with an oil rag keeps it from rusting while you are sleeping. All garden tools should receive the same treatment after using. KILL THESE PESTS—SmaII green grubs —larvae of the cabbage-moth—-may make feasts from the stock seedlings. To safeguard, spray with arsenate of lead. The young stocks soon put out new leaves. The grubs know this, and “wax fat” on the younger leaves; therefore, spray frequently. LAWNS —Grass is growing rapidly. Keep the lawns well groomed. By weekly cuttings, the job is much easier.