THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 625, 30 March 1929, Page 24

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS LAWN RENOVATION.—ApriI is the best month of the year f«~>r sowing of new lawns or the patching up of established swards. Where lawns are patchy the soil should be thoroughly raked over or forked and fresh seed sown. Top-dress with good soil and thoroughly roll. NEW LAWNS.—When setting new lawns the ground should be raked fine and well rolled, lib. of lawn mixture will sow 25 square yards of ground. Thoroughly rake in and roll afterwards. A dressing of manure may be given, 4oz. a square yard, before sowing or after the green blades have made their appearance. SPRING BULBS.—This important work should be carried out without delay as already undisturbed bulbs from last year’s crop are peeping through. For edging plant scillas, muscarei, fresias. tritonias and babianas. For bedding set anemones, ranunculus, daffodils, jonquils, spring gladioli. For tall borders, ixias, monibretias. watsonias and onethogalums. INDOOR BULBS.—Most gardeners like to grow bulbs of some description indoors for house decoration. Here are some worthy subjects: Hyacinths may be cultivated in narrow-necked vases containing water only. Hyacinths and tulips do admirably ir> China bowls filled with bulb fibre obtainable at any florists. Lachenalias are excellent for hanging baskets or may be grown four bulbs in a .5-inch pot. SEEDS TO GROW. —The following seeds may be set in boxes for transplanting out later: Cineraria, nemesia, carnation, pansy, verbena, primula, malacoides, antirrhinum, stock beauty, Iceland poppy and gaillardia. A sheet of glass over the box will help germination and keep the soil damp. DAHLIAS AND “MUMS.”—Dahlias should have the spent flowers picked off when they have passed their best, to allow all the strength to flow into the second buds. Chrysanthemums should now be well disbudded. At this period they require ample supplies of liquid manure to stimulate the growth and improve the flowers. Apply after rainfall or water well first. INCREASING STOCKS.—Primrose, polyanthus, campanulas and aquilegias may now be lifted, divided and replanted in wellmgnured ground. Cuttings may be taken of geraniums, crassula and calceolaria. Sever the layers of carnations that are wellrooted from the parent plant. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN ONIONS PAY TO GROW.—One of the most important crops of the year is the onion. Seed may now be sown thinly in drills in a corner that is free from weeds. Straw Spanish is one of the most popular varieties for the kitchen garden, while Brown Spanish is renowned for its keeping qualities. loz. of seed will produce about 1,000 plants. TUBERS TO SET.—Bulbs are now available of garlic, potato onions, shallots, silver and brown and tree onions. All these varieties do well in soil that is firm, and growers would be well advised to roll light soils before setting. Potash is the most important food of this family, therefore apply plenty of wood ashes to the soil. WINTER CROPS.—While there is still heat in the soil a sowing of shorthorn carrots should be made’for winter use. Spinach and silver beet*are quick crops that are valuable at this period of the year. Force along leek and celery crops by applying plenty of liquid manure. Mould up the ground as they grow. CABBAGE AND CAU LI FLOWER.—The ravages of the fly have almost abated so gardeners may now set plants of cabbage for late winter and spring use. Enfield Market or Early Drumhead are suitably sorts. Established plants that are badly riddled by the fly pest may recover, throwing out fresh growth from the heart. Cauliflowers should be set two feet o.part. VACANT LAND.—Now that the pea and bean crops are maturing there will be vacant ground that may not be needed until spring. Dig over and make a sowing of oats, mustard or lupins for digging in later as green manure. These crops help to control the weeds and save money in artificial fertilisers. ODD JOBS.—Lift and store all pumpkins that have reached maturity, placing in a dry, airy place. Leaves and foliage tops should be saved and deposited in a heap to rot for digging in later Fork over asparagus beds and give a dressing of salt or kainit to nourish the roots.