HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 March 1939, Page 9

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

FRUIT, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES WORK FOR THE WEEK VEGETABLE GARDEN. Sow winter (prickly) spinach, cabbage, cauliflower (early varieties). Sow shorthorn carrots, also turnips and onions for pulling green in spring. Plant out cabbage and cauliflower from earlier sowings; dip the plants in (a solution of nicotine to prevent “fly." Thin out the crops of carrot, beet and turnips sown last month. Sow onions for transplanting, on ground that has been well worked to a fine tilth. Cut out the growths on asparagus beds that are showing berries, otherwise self sown seedlings will appear. Heavy land does best when manured during the (autumn months; it is also a good plan to lime in autumn, but not with the manure. Commence to blanch the earlier crops of, 'celery; later crops will need feeding with liquid manure. Potatoes in store should have a periodical examination to remove any diseased specimens. Make a sowing of broad beans for spring use. It mildew is prevalent on late peas dust with sulphur. If the tops of peas are pinched it will help the pods to fill. Sow onions for main crop to be transplanted later. Remove spent crops, and use soft, pulpy refuse in |the compost heap. Burn woody rubbish which will not decay quickly. FLOWER GARDEN. Plant out the carnations rooted from layers. Sever from the plants a week before shifting. Overgrown pinks may now be lifted and divided. Feed chrysanthemums now that the buds are swelling; a change of diet now and then will do good. ‘ Plant anemone and ranunculus corms in a well drained position. See that the latter are planted with “claws” downwards. Continue [planting bulbous plants for spring flowering. Sow plenty of hardy annuals in vacant places in the borders. Iceland poppies should be planted out for winter bloom at the first favourable opportunity. Winter sweet peas will need constant attention; pinch out the top of the main growth when four pairs of leaves have been made. Where roses have (been affected by black spot or rust, rake up the leaves and burn them. The dry weather gives a good opportunity for the sites of new lawns to be thoroughly cleaned of weeds; hoe frequently for a clean seed-bed. , FRUIT GARDEN. Bush fruits such as goosberries and currants can be increased by cuttings inserted now in the open ground. Pick all the buds out of gooseberry cuttings except three at the top. Where quinces 'have been affected by rust, keep the fallen leaves raked up and burned. When the grape crop has been picked give a good spraying with Bordeauux mixture 4-4-40. Give the citrus trees the autumn application of fertiliser to develop the crop of fruit. Tree tomatoes will appreciate a soaking of water while the dry spell lasts. The next few weeks will be a good time to root-prune fruit trees. Prune out old wood from black currants if not already done. Trees infested with pests or disease may have a good spraying when the crop is taken off. If the spray burns the ( foliage,now it will not matter, as the leaves will soon be falling. i