HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 19 May 1939, Page 3

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

FRUIT, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES

WORK FOR THE WEEK

VEGETABLE GARDEN. In favoured situations make a sowing .of early peas; choose the dwarf-growing varieties. Cut down asparagus where ripened off. Clean the. beds of weeds and apply a dressing of manure. When the soil is workable hoe or fork between the rows of cabbage and winter greens. Mould up the cauliflowers as a protection against wind. Plant shallots, tree and potato onions; sow onion seeds for later crops. Prepare ground for new asparagus beds. Deep, porous soil and good drainage are essential. Make a sowing of dwarf peas. Deep tillage and not over much manure suit them at this time of year. Make a sowing of broad beans. A sowing and planting of cabbages and cauliflowers can be made. Plant out silver beet. You can also make a planting of red beet. The earthing-up of celery should be completed; choose dry weather for this operation. Look over the onions in store; any likely to go soft should be used at once. FRUIT GARDEN. Prune and clean up the grape vines when the leaf has fallen. Cleanse the house and renovate the borders. Strawberry planting (should be completed as soon as possible if early crops are desired. The pruning of fruit trees can be commenced when the leaves have fallen; start with the ;stone fruits, as these are the earliest to flower. Gooseberries and currants do well with an annual dressing of animal manures given in winter. Do not dig close to the stools of raspberries and loganberries, as these are shallow-rooted. Many fruit'trees suffer from lack of potash. This is.a good season to apply it. ' Strawberry planting should be taken in hand while the weather conditions are suitable. FLOWER GARDEN. Gather dry seed heads on dahlias and gladioli. Gladioli must be lifted, if not already done. Clean'the corms and store in a dry shed. Prepare ground for shrub planting.) Fnish planting of hyacinths and tulips. Plant out annuals for spring blooming; stocks, Iceland poppies, nemesia, calendula, pansies and can all be planted. Weed and lightly fork between the bulbs that are showing through the soil. Tulips should be planted now; place a little sand round each bulb. Ornamental trees and shrubs can be pruned at .this season. Those kinds which flower in spring should be left until the > flowering period is over. Plant out evergreen trees and shrubs and roses; also do any transplanting that is needed where shrubs are becoming crowded. Cut down the oid stems of herbaceous plants; lift, divide and replant where necessary. Remove dead tops of tall, herbaceous plants and give the border a dressing of manure. As soon as dahlias are frosted cut them down to within a foot of the soil. Spray Iceland poppies with lime sulphur 1-120 if mildew appears. Put short, twiggy sticks to sweet peas..