THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 857, 28 December 1929, Page 26

THE BUSY MAN’S CORNER

AMONG THE FLOWERS THE BULB GARDEN.—AII spring flowering bulbs that have completely died down, such as anemones, ranunculus, etc., should now be lifted and cleaned and stored away until ready for planting in February and March. Daffodils set last year may remain in the same spot without disturbing, but bulbs that have been in the ground several years should now be lifted and divided. The ground should be manured with bonedust or rotted manure before other crops are planted. VIOLETS. —Runners may be taken off the old roots and planted out for winter and spring flowering. The old stools should have surplus leaves removed and be manured with blood and bone. This will encourage new growth and larger flowers throughout the coming season. CATERPILLARS. —These are now making their appearance and eating the leaves and young shoots off the tender plants. Spray with arsenatae of lead powder, one teaspoonful a gallon of water. APHIS AND SPIDERS.- -All insect life attacking young growth may be held in check by spraying with Katakiller Powder. This is a harmless spray to the user, but very effective and quick-acting. Katakiller is specially good for roses and chrysanthemum pests. DRY-WEATHER SUBJECTS.—The weather in the New Y’ear will probably set in very dry. Gardeners wishing to plant seedlings to stand through the autumn are well advised to set the following: For Borders and Rock Work: Portulacca, and Dwarf French marigolds. For Tall Bedding: African marigolds, cosmos, celosia and sunflowers. IMPORTANT WORK.—Tie up dahlias as they grow'. Thin out the growth of chrysanthemums. Apply liquid manure to both the former plants. Keep the hoe moving continually among the flower-beds to keep down the weed growth. Trim up the lawn edges. Nothing looks worse than an untidy lawn. AMONG THE VEGETABLES TOMATOES.—CarefuI attention is now required, laterals should be kept cut away, the plants should be carefully tied as they grow. Arsenate of lead will hold the caterpillars at bay. This may be used in conjunction with Bordeaux Powder for blight and black spot, thus making one application do. Sulphate of potash and ammonia may be watered round the roots to act as a stimulant. CABBAGE CROPS. —Keep the hoe busy along the rows. Plants may be fed with nitrate of soda, loz a gallon of water. Apply after the plants have had a good watering. Should the cabbagefly be making its appearance, spray with Black Leaf 40. Seed of Drumhead variety may be sown now for winter use. PEAS AND BEANS. —Peas and beans should be carefully picked daily as they mature whether they are wanted or not. This keeps the plant from maturing and running to seed. Ample water is required with these crops and frequent hosings will be advisable. This also helps to keep down the mildew. Late crops may still be sown in many districts. ODD JOBS.—Pumpkins, marrows and cucumbers should have the ends of the runners pinched off. Where fruit is not setting, the plants should be hand-fertilised. Onions that have died down should be lifted, dried off and hung up in a dry spot. Rhubarb roots should be mulched with rotted manure. LAWNS. —Autumn is the best month of the year for the sowing of all lawn grass seed. New ground should be carefully dug over, removing all perennial roots such as docks, etc. Level the ground and break up the surface finely with the rake. If possible, leave the ground a few weeks before sowing. One pound of seed will sow about 25 square yards.