THE GARDEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 780, 28 September 1929, Page 32

THE GARDEN

By

LEONARD A. GRIFFITHS, F.R.H.S.,

‘Flowers are Xature's Jewels

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE** FLOWERS CULTIVATE WITH THE HOE.—As the month advances you will notice an increase in temperature, and plant-life v/ill rapidly respond to the more genial conditions. Work the surface of the beds as much as possible, so as to allow the soil to warm up, and at the same time the surface cultivation will help to keep down the weeds and conserve moisture. . STRIKE YOUR OWN PLANTS. —Cuttings of many perennials may be taken now and set in a sheltered seed-bed to strike. Pelargoniums, fuchsias, salvias, begonias, antirrhinums, penstemons, carnations, chrysanthemums, as well as many others, should be propagated at once. A _ , When striking cuttings, add at least 25 per cent, of sand to the soil. The gritty particles keep the soil “free” and allow moisture to filter through. _ . ■ . . ROSES. —Roses should have been all pruned by this time, but if any have been neglected they should be attended to at once. Thoso which have been already pruned should receive an immediate spraying with nicotine and soft soap to keep down the aphis and other pests which will attack the new growth. PETUNIAS.—Seed should be sown now of the best strains of petunias. There are no better workers in the garden than this line. Besides the large flowering sorts, of which the Giants of California are the best, we would recommend a sowing of small flowering bedding sorts, such as hybrids. SHOWY PHLOX.—PhIox Drummondi is another good line to sow, and is always a source of brilliant colour in the garden. Phlox grow only some seven or eight inches high, but if set out in a bed some six or more inches apart, make a carpet of glorious colour in no time. They must be transplanted when Quite small and before they become at all leggy. STAND DRY WEATHER.—French and African marigolds are a good garden brightener in the spring, summer and autumn and many new shades may now be obtained, including a dark brown, These can be sown at once. SEEDS TO SOW.—Set the main crop of summer flowering sweet peas at once. Sow in boxes: Salvia, cosmos, asters, zinnias, sunflowers, kochia, delphinium, antirrhinum, stocks and lobelia. AMONG THE VEGETABLES IS YOUR GROUND READY?—September is the best month to get down to work in the vegetable garden. Since the vegetables to go in now will be expected to supply the needs of the greater part of the season, the first consideration is to see that the beds are set in order. This, of course, should have been done during the slack time during the winer, but how few of us do what we should do ? TURN THE SOIL OVER. —Turn the soil over well and add manure, and a liberal dressing of bonedust, and allow all to settle. Give it another digging in about a fortnight’s time, as this will help very much to sweeten the soil. If the ground is stiff and very wet, do not give the second digging, as it will be liable to turn out lumpy. ROOT CROPS.—Beet, lettuce and radish should be sown in succession throughout the season, but it is a waste of time, space and energy to sow more than can be utilised. They should be kept moving with copious waterings of liquid manure. Don’t sow root crops, as beet and radish, on freshly-manured ground. POTATOES AND TOMATOES. —Potatoes and tomatoes are seasonable where all frosts are over, and even where frosts are still to be feared, tomato plants can be set out and protected in some way till they have passed. Market Favourite and Garter’s Sunrise are two good garden varieties that have proved themselves. PEAS AND BEANS.—Sowings of Dwarf peas may now be made in every garden; William Hurst, Little Gem or American Wonder are all good. Sow in rows and mould up as they begin to grow. Dwarf French beans and butter beans may be sown in warm corners where there is no likelihood of frosts. THINGS TO PLANT.—The following seeds may now be sown: Mustard and cress, parsley, turnips and early cucumbers. Transplant seedlings of onions, silver beet, lettuce, leeks, cabbage and cauliflower. Finish planting the last of the summer rhubarb.