HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1938, Page 5

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR.

VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS. WORK FOR THE WEEK VEGETABLE GARDEN. When possible cultivate between standing crops. Either - a hoeing or forking can be given. The latter is slower, but gives better results. Sow vacant plots in a soiling crop. Clover, Lupins, Oats or Rape may be used. Tomatoes left on plants should be taken off as soon as they show colour. If stood in a box in a warm place they will soon ripen. Root crops that have reached maturity may be lifted and stored. This allows the ground to be prepared for next season. Dwarf and Runner Beans should be gathered as soon as they are any sizze. They get tough and stringy if left too long. Seedling crops, such as Turnips and Carrots, should be thinned as soon as ready. Onion crops can be sown to provide plants for spring planting. Soil should be firm. As Pumpkins attain a fair size and their skin hardens, they can be cut and stored. Once the skin gets hard they do not’ develop any further. FLOWER GARDEN.' The time of the falling leaf is with us. Leaves must be collected and not left so as to give the garden an untidy, littery appearance. Propagation by cuttings of Calceolarias, Pentstemons, Antirrhinums, Violas, Iresine, Alternantheras-should be handled at once. In many districts frosts are quite possible this month and attention should be given to any tender plants than need protection. Planting of spring flowering bulbs should be hastened. This is probably the best time for planting Tulips. Autumn-sown annuals give best results. This is the best time to sow them. The ground should be in good “heart” and should be firm. Some late herbaceous plants are still in flower, but the majority are over. Where the herbaceous border is to be overhauled this season now is the time to start. Seed pods and dead flowers should be picked off. In many cases this will mean a few more autumn blooms. Cut down plants that have finished. If annuals, pull them out. Borders would look much better if more attention were given to quick ■removal [of the “was beautiful.” Michaelmas Daisies should have a few stakes and ties put to them. Why these autumn blooming subjects should so often be seen falling over the place is strange, because they are really worth attention. FRUIT GARDEN.

Trees planted a year or so back that have grown vigorously without fruit can be lifted. After cutting some of the thick roots, replant them. The trees need not be actually lifted out of the ground. Dig out the soil and cut the roots about eighteen inches from the stem; give them a lift upwards before replacing the soil. Pruning can be started on stone fruit, especially Peaches. Cut out all useless trees. There are plenty of good reliable varieties without bothering with second-rate sorts.