IN THE GARDEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1939, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR FRUIT, FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES WORK FOR THE WEEK FLOWER GARDEN. Early bulbs are making growth; keep the beds well weeded and apply a topdressing of potash mixed with five times its weight of dry soil. The planting of annuals for spring display should be completed during fine spells. Plant ornamental trees and shrubs, also roses. Do any transplanting that is required. Prune shrubs and clean up the borders; leave the spring blooming shrubs until after flowering. Climbers on the house should have an overhaul, cutting away the weak growths. Take a look at the standard roses and replace the stakes if necessary, a sudden gale may do irreparable damage. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Much cultivation will not be possible when the ground is at all wet and sticky. Dig in green manuring crops and prepare as much land as possible for the early sowings. Make fresh plantations of rhubarb and lift roots for forcing purposes. Plant out a few more cabbage and cauliflower to follow on the autumn-planted crop. Make a plan of the,garden for future planting, arranging for a rotation of crops. Recent rains have consolidated the soil between the rows of ‘vegetables; loosen with a fork when the soil is dry enough. Set up the early seed potatoes in trays to sprout; if sprouts are weak give them more light. ' Owing to the mild weather broad beans have made considerable growth; draw up on each side of the rows as a protection. Make sowings of early peas on a warm border, such as Blue Bantam Greanfeast, or Little Marvel. Plant out onions such as Ailsa Craig,and Giant Rocca. FRUIT GARDEN. Stunted trees which make little growth are probably starved; dig until live roots are found, then fill the trench with good soil. If grafting is contemplated in spring, do not omit to collect the necessary scions when pruning. Bark damage may lead to disease in an otherwise healthy tree. Pare down bruises and abrasions, then paint over. Cut away soft laterals and other unripe growths on loganberries and other similar fruits. Manure and prune the gooseberries; these bushes appreciate a good dressing of farm manure. Clean up the prunings and destroy by fire if disease is present. Attend to the winter spraying when pruning is finished. Remove unprofitable trees or graft over later with better varieties. Established plum trees will need pruning, but if the growths were summer pruned this will be a light job. Merely take out crossing branches. Old trees of apples and pears contain much cankered wood; remove as much of this as possible.