IN THE GARDEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 March 1941, Page 9

IN THE GARDEN

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR Fruit, Flowers and Vegetables WORK FOR THE WEEK VEGETABLE GARDEN. Weeds will be troublesome in the autumn unless steps are taken to destroy them during hot, dry spelis. When crops of beetroot have attained a reasonable size they should be y lifted and stored in clamps, otherwise they will go tough and stringy. Plenty of moisture is required to develop the pumpkin and marrow crop. Sow early varieties of cabbage and cauliflower for cutting in spring. Keep the spray going to control caterpillars on the earlier-planted crops. Lettuce should be sown for winter use. Plant out some endive; it makes a welcome change from lettuce. Feed with soot water or weak liquid manure, the advancing crops of celery and leeks and earth up as required. FRUIT GARDEN. Do not store pears in a place suitable for apples. Pears require a dry, warm and buoyant atmosphere. I Arrears of summer pruning should be completed, which includes the cutting out of weak growths on'apples and plums. , Now that the grapes are ripening birds will be troublesome; cover with netting or some other .protection. Ripe fruits should be wiped clean of the spray material before being used. Peach -and nectarine trees from which the fruit has been removed can have the branches thinned out. FLOWER GARDEN. Disbud the chrysanthemums freely, as the terminal buds are now showing. Cuttings of flowering shrubs can now be inserted; put a sprinkling of sand around the base of each Prepare the site for sowing down new lawns and allow to settle well before sowing the seed. Sow a plentiful supply of annuals to provide flowers in spring. Plant anemones and ranunculus in ‘beds that are well drained. When the layers of border carnations are well rooted they may be planted in their permanent ; positions. See that the late-flowering perennials are well staked.