THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1022, 12 July 1930, Page 28

THE WEEK’S WORK AT A GLANCE

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN THE SEASON.—August finds us at the last month of winter, and amateurs will need to get busy if their gardens are to be a success during the coming spring months. From now onward we look forward to bright, sunny days which are the joy of every gardener’s heart. EARLY CARROTS PAY.—Sow a few rows of early carrots for soups. Early Horn and Oxheart are the two best quick-maturing varieties. Sow in drills in an open, sunny aspect. Once the seed is through, thin out to the required distance and keep the soil constantly stirred between the rows. Avoid using fresh stable manure as the roots have a tendency to fork when they come in contact with it. WINTER SPINACH.—This crop should be more widely grown, as the leaves contain valuable health-giving properties. Rich, welldug ground is required for this crop as quick growth is necessary. Sow the seed of the prickly variety in rows 2in deep and 12 to 14 inches between the rows. Thinning out should take place when the plants are 4in high, to 9in aparl. PLANTS AND ROOTS TO SET.—-Seedlings of cabbage, cauliflower and silver beet may be transplanted at once. Celery and leek plants may, still be set. Lift and divide old clumps of herbs, replacing the young side-pieces. Rhubarb plants may be shifted at once. Garlic, shallots, potato onions and tree onions may now be planted. ONIONS ARE IMPORTANT .—Every garden, however small, should sow a packet of onion seed. One packet should grow 300 plants, enough for the average small family. Sow in drills thinly for transplanting later. Onions are strong feeding plants, so plenty of manure should be dug in the bed that has to receive them. KITCHEN FRUlTS.—Guavas and gooseberries are handy subjects to include in every kitchen garden. They are useful for using as dwarf borders between the lawn and the vegetable strip. These plants should be set at once in well-manured ground. Passion fruit vines may be planted against an unsightly fence or used for covering old tree stumps. EARLY CROPS.—In sheltered districts early peas may be sown at once. William Hurst or Wonder are two good cropping varieties. Early potatoes should be planted in the warmest spot available after they have been nicely sprouted. Gardeners who wish to grow their own tomato plants should set the seed at once in boxes of sandy soil and transplant when large enough. SEEDS TO SOW.—Make small sowings of lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower in beds or boxes for setting out later. Sow in drills turnip, swedes, radish, parsnip, carrot, onion and leek. Thin sowings are advisable as better plants are produced and less work is required when thinning out. AMONG THE FLOWERS HARDY ANNUALS.—The condition of the soil in most districts is damp and sloppy and planting of annuals should be restricted to hardy annuals that will survive the winter and flower early spring. Among the hardiest are pansies, lobelia, calendulas, primula malacoides, dianthus, primroses and gaillardias. Stocks and poppies are best left alone now till the weather lifts. CHRYSANTHEMUMS .—Last season’s plants have now finished flowering and should be cut well back to the stumps. New growth will be coming up from the base and gardeners wishing to propagate more stock may take cuttings from same as they become large enough. Establish in a box of fine soil/ sand and wood-ashes in a sheltered corner for planting out in late spring. • SEED SOWlNG.—Amateurs with small glass-houses or frames may make sowings of certain flower seeds to fill up th«4r vacant ground in the spring season. Among the best seeds to sow for showy beds are nemesia, stocks Beauty, pansy, antirrhinum, poppy Iceland, statice and larkspurs. A sprinkling of sand on the surface will help the plants to root better. ABOUT HEDGES.—Gardeners desirous of setting hedge plants may do so now. Trenches should be opened up and rotted manure placed in the cavity. Where this is not available, bonedust will suffice. Where heavy frosts prevail, olearia, abelia and escallonia should be set. Near the sea or in frost-proof districts, coprosma, tecoma and acmena are best. THINGS TO PLANT.—Set roses from now onward. Flowering shrubs should be planted without delay. Christmas and tiger lilies may be set for summer flowering. Gladioli bulbs may be planted for October flowering. Creepers for covering garages, fences and pergolas may be planted at once. GENERAL WORK.—Weeds at this time of the year grow more rapidly than plants. See that they don’t get ahead of you. Keep the hoe busy around the shrub-beds and borders. Cut back shrubs such as hydrangeas, etc. Artificial manure may be applied to established trees. Start pruning back rose bushes unless you are in a heavy frost area.