THE GARDEN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 822, 16 November 1929, Page 30

THE GARDEN

By

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

Uod Almiyhty first planted a </ arden. and indeed it is the purest of human pleasures —BACOX.

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS The flower borders and beds should now be cleared of weeds and rubbish. Constant hoeing among the roses and other perennials will keep down these pests that grow so rapidly this warm weather. All lawns and edgings should be regularly clipped and mowed and the trimmings used for manure mulchings. Dahlia and chrysanthemum plants may be set now. They are easily grown and the introduction of many new sorts is stimulating the interest of the enthusiasts. Cultural directions will be published from time to time. Many gardeners are raising their own flower-seeds, and rightly so, as half the interest in gardening is in the production of the baby seedlings. Never allow the seed-boxes to become dry, especially if the soil is of a sandy nature. One warm day is enough to scorch off the tiny plants if the soil is dry. Sow now in boxes, portulacca, celosia. zinnia, amaranthus. esclioltzia, petunia, marigolds and all summer plants that stand the dry weather. Perennial phlox, delphinium, penstemons, etc., should be tied and staked where necessary, especially il‘ they promise to be good spikes, otherwise the wind may snap them. Climbing roses are sending up long runners. Train the shoots required to their proper places and thin out the unwanted growth. The young shoots, should be sprayed with Black Leaf 40 to prevent aphis. Old stools of chrysanthemums are beginning to show' signs of rust. Lime and sulphur sprayed once every week will keep it in check. This may also be applied to the roses. THE VEGETABLE GARDEN Kumera cuttings must be planted without delay: they do not yield so heavily if. left until the ground becomes dry. Tlio great secret of success in growing vegetables is to keep constantly cropping. Make two sowings this month at 10-day intervals of peas and French beans. These crops will last longer and bear better if they are mulched between the rows with manure or grass clippings. What to Sow.—lf required, small sowings can be made of beet, carrots, parsnips, turnips, radish and spring onions. The silver or spinach beet is a crop that never fails whatever the season is like and when properly cooked is delicious. Now that the hot weather is hovering near, our tastes begin to wander to cold meats and cool dishes. Prepare now for those salad dishes. Sow lettuce, mustard and cress, leeks, cucumbers, and plant out tomatoes. American sweet corn is a delicious dish and can be sown in odd corners .or against a fence. It makes admirable shelter for marrows, cucumbers, etc., protecting the tender foliage from the wind. Capo gooseberreis are now available for planting out and require similar treatment to tomatoes. Celery plants are ready and can bo set as soon as the trenches are made. Prepare now for next winter and make sowings of savoy or curly cabbage, broccoli. Brussels sprouts, borecole or curly greens. All the plants require the same cultivation as the cabbage. THE GLASSHOUSE The summer light is now becoming very strong and shading of the glass should take place, otherwise burning will affect the tender foliage. Tuberoses, begonias, should now be potted into rich, sandy soil. Some of the old bulbs may be divided if necessary with a sharp knife. Scale on palms and ferns is rapidly showing: spray with Oeshurst Compound. Mealy bug on orchids and foliage begonias should be treated with Black Leaf 40. Rex begonias should now be trimmed of their old leaves and weak shoots. Weak applications of ammonia may be given as a liquid manure to most greenhouse foliage plants, loz a liquid gallon.