GARDENER’S CALENDAR FOR JULY.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 29, 22 July 1867, Page 4

GARDENER’S CALENDAR FOR JULY.

This is probably the wettest month in the year. In New Zealand the inch fall of rain is said to be greater than in England, but we have more dry days. The average number of days in the year when no rain falls being about 200 in England and 230 in New Zealand ; the main differences of temperature between the seasons of summer and winter is said to be for the climate of London 23 degrees ; for New Zealand, 14 degrees. Our Meteorological statistics, however, are not as yet much to be relied upon. This subject has received much attention in England of late, and the country has profited from it. The telegraph now outruns the storm. Manuring and trenching all vacant places to be proceeded with, weather permitting. Taking advantage of fine days to get in first crops of peas and beans on high light soil, plant potatoes for the first early crop on dry ground where it is not likely to be flooded. Continue to earth up celery on dry days. Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthan Tuberoso) may now be planted. Sow a small quantity of onions, carrots lettuce, mustard, cress, radishes, for early use ; give shelter to them if necessary ; sea kale and asparagus beds not planted last month, finish. Garlic and eschalots plant out, also a few early potatoes in sheltered situations. Eadishes may be sown at the same time, they will be ready to draw before the potatoes require earthing up. The cabbage tribe may be planted out for early coleworts. Ehubarb plant out in a rich deep soil; also roots of onions, carrots, beet, and turnips, wanted for seed, plant out; the earlier the better. Continue pruning fruit trees and clipping hedges and borders, and clear them from any weeds or grass that may be among them. Open out the centre of pear and apple trees, cut out all branches crossing, and plant fruit trees of every kind as early as possible, manner of planting see last month. Easpberries prune, stake, and tie, giving manure between the rows and forking in.

FLOWERS. Continue planting bulbs and other flower roots ; sub-divide herbaceous flowering plants, prune and transplant rose trees ; cuttings and layers of hardy shrubs may be commenced tnis month j sow sweet peas and minionette for early flowers also carkia pulchella, and alba. Examine dahlia tubers to see that they are not eaten by woodlime, as they are very fond of them. Auriculas, hyacinths, protect from'the wind, if out of doors ; continue to sow annuals for a successive crop, and transplant into borders any annuals now fit to fill up. Cut off dead or superfluous branches of perennials or biennials. Shrubs, take up where over-crowded, and replant and prune the fast growing plants, and lay where required to thicken the bottom ; also, quick hedges may be done the same way.