GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 81, 5 August 1953, Page 3

GARDENS IN TAUPO

THIS MONTH'S WORK

(Bv

Flora)

With perceptible lengthening of the days already apparent, the gardener who means to keep abreast of seasonal work will have to settle dp^vn to a period of steady industry. While most gardeners will agree that this state is a-lways with us, no matter what the month, the actual success of your summer garden depends on the work you put into it now. " If you have a cover crop reachin^: maturity, dig it in immediately, for it will become woody if left too long, and it requires a period of at least a month to rot down prior to sowing. Unless it is potatoes which you are planting, for these do not seem to mind the green crop freshly dug in. When digging it in, the addition of blood and bone will accelerate the rotting down process, besides adding further nutriment to the soil. Pruning and Spraying All fruit trees should be pruned without delay. The roses may be done any time in August. Prune your hydrangeas, cut back all shoots that flowered this last season, but do not cut the entire plant back or they will fail to flower this coming summer. Spraying is a means of controlling pests and diseases. All gardens are attacked at times, and although in many cases this is due to neglect, there are times when the most skilful gardeners have trouble. It may safely be said that although pests cannot be entirely eliminated, they can be kept under control. So be sure to do your winter spraying now, using the spray at winter strength. Continue to spray regularly fhroughout the growing season, being sure to weaken the spray when growth eommences. Seed Sowing It isi early enough for this important task, but should your autumn sown broad beans have failed you could re-sow now. The first sowing of green peas may be put in this month, an early variety being bought. William Massey or Little Marvel are both reliable varieties. Unless you have a cold frarne, postpone the sowing of flower seeds till next month. Compost Gardeners seldom have on oversupply of compost, a most valuable material, but should you still have some ready spread it liberally over the vegetable plot in preparatiofi for the more extensive seed-sowing next month. Your shrubbery and perehnial border will also benelit greatly during the coming season, if you are able to spread a few inches over the entire surface. A good dressing of bone-dust over the dug portions of your garden will not go amiss. This i is a safe fertiliser to us as no plant takes exception to it. If you are intending to put down a lawn this spring, break the ground to a hne tilth and level. It is a little early for sowing the seed. But if it is at all possible leave this work til! the autumn, when you will get a far greater coverage, especially in Taupo. The ground in the meantime can be put to great use. A crop of potatoes may be taken off, or perhaps onions. This latter crop has the advantage of leaving no sign of having grown there. May we have fine d&ys so that you may get to work.