WORK FOR THE WEEK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 February 1940, Page 15

WORK FOR THE WEEK

VEGETABLE GARDEN Keep the surface soil stirred amongst growing crops. Runner beans will need to be kept closely picked. The plants should receive supplies of both clear and manure water. Make more sowings of peas, also of French and runner beans. Prepare the celery trendies, and get the plants out as soon as ready. Plant leeks for succession. Early sown leeks will now be strong enough for transplanting. Manure liberally. Onions are drying off, and where the conditions are inclined to be moist bend over the tops to encourage l ripening; be careful not to break the stems. Tomatoes need tying and staking and spraying. Sow turnips, swedes, spinach, short carrots and lettuce. Plant out cabbage, cauliflowers and the various kinds of broccoli. Spray cabbage and cauliflower crops with nicotine or arsenate of lead, or alternatively dust with derris. Remove the spent crops of peas and dwarf beans; if these are infested with thrips or have had disease, burn at once. FLOWER GARDEN Keep the soil stirred by frequent hoeing. Stake as required any plants on the border. Propagate antirrhinums, pansies and pelargoniums from cuttings. Lift all early flowering varieties of bulbs as they ripen; dry thoroughly before storing. Regulate and tie up neatly all climbing plants. Rose budding can be done now. Lift the gladioli when the foliage yellows; dry well, and, if disease is present, this'should be treated before storing away. The supply of bedding plants for next season should be ensured by inserting cuttings now. Keep a watch for the appearance of the second crown buds on chrysanthemums, as these 'will give the best flowers; remove the unwanted side shoots. Plant freesias and early-flowering bulbs. Carnations layered last month should be looked over and kept clear of weeds; water in dry weather. A sowing can be made of anemone and ranunculus for flowering next season. FRUIT GARDEN This is the best time for budding plums and other similar fruits. Summer pruning should receive attention now. Keep the hoe going, and burn the weeds. Remove strawberry runners if not wanted and clean up the bed. Spray .with arsenate of lead for codlin moth. Spray stone fruits with arsenate to control leech. Th.e apple cr.op can be economised by using the fruits as they become large enough, leaving the smaller ones to develop still more. No fallen fruit should be allowed to lie beneath the trees; if unfit for use, burn or bury it. Cut out the old canes from loganberries and raspberries as soon as the crop has been picked.