DRY WEATHER ADVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 596, 23 February 1929, Page 28

DRY WEATHER ADVICE

AMONG I'HE FLOWERS The dry M'eatlier still prevails and planting is limited in accord ance with our water supplies. Spring bulbs may now be set and will then be in readiness for the coming rains. Flower seeds may be sown in boxes for replacing those dead in the gardens. The following bulbs are splendid for planting in borders about five inches apart: Scillas or wood hyacinths in blue, white and pink; muscari or grape hyacinths in blue and white; alliums, white and yellow; lachenalia, golden bells; tritonias, in all brilliant shades of orange, scarlet and pink; fresias and crocus. The caterpillars are busily at work eating everything before them. Spray with arsenate of lead paste, two teaspoonfuls to a gallon. If this is not done they will breed in hundreds this dry weather. Sow the following seeds in boxes: Cinerarias, poppy, stock, pansy, nemesia, antirrhinum, Canterbury bell, gaillardia. A sheet of glass placed over each box will keep in the moisture and help germination. Of all seasons the spring gardens are the most lovable. Who can resist the thrill given us by the appearance of the first flowers after winter. Planting for spring should take place now. Anemones and ranunculus are perhaps among the most useful of spring flowers. Their value for table use is unexcelled. Their period of flowering is unequalled and the quantity of blooms per bulb gives satisfaction to the most grasping gardener. Plant from 9in to 12in apart. Perennials are always a good standby in the garden. They help to fill up odd corners and certainly save a lot of money being spent on annuals each season. If the seed is sown early this month, they will make excellent growth before the winter sets in and probably flower late spring and summer. The following perennials may now bo sown: Wallflowers, calliopsis, golden, geum, hollyhock, polyanthus, lupins, penstemon, carnation and sweet william. Sow in boxes and keep well watered. Dahlia and chrysanthemums should be forced along if continuous flowering is expected. Ammonia and potash in liquid form is the* best. AMONG THE VEGETABLES Now that general planting is limited, one should get busy and clean up the garden generally. Plenty of work is waiting. Why not do it before the rain comes. Weed all paths, dig over all spare ground, rake up dead leaves and burn rubbish. If this is done more time can be given to planting crops when the" elements allow us. Various pests fill the garden and it is every gardener’s duty to kill these out. If everybody worked on the same lines gardening would be a great deal easier. For cabbage-fly use black leaf 40, two teaspoonfuls to a gallon. For caterpillar and all leaf-eating insects spray with arsenate of lead. Peas and beans should be given all available water after it has been used for household purposes. If they become too dry they will stop bearing. Potatoes for a quick crop may be laid out in the sun to sprout. Vegetables are daily rising in price and are now worth looking after. Do not plant further if you cannot water and control the crops now growing. Better to make a success of these than attempt too much. Avail yourself of the warm weather to whitewash all your stone borders with roche lime. Repair all broken fences and keep spades forks, etc., well oiled and cleaned. Cabbage for winter use can be easily cultivated now. Ample feeding is necessary and this can be supplied with rotted manure or bonedust. If the latter be used it should be well dug in. Varieties suitable for sowing: Savoy, curly, Early Drumhead, Enfield Market and Succession. Broccoli seed may be planted instead of cauliflower. It Is much hardier and less likely to blight. I’liey are similar to cauliflower but take longer to mature. Sow the seed in boxes or a wellprepared bed and when the plants have made their second leaves transplant into their permanent places. ' Broad beans may be set as soon as the ground is readv Earlv plantings are advisable as they mature before the rust or‘bumblebee affects them. Shallots and garlic may be planted during this month. &