IN THE GARDEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 July 1941, Page 3

IN THE GARDEN

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR Fruit, Flowers and Vegetables WORK FOR THE WEEK VEGETABLE GARDEN. Plant out autumn-sown onions when the soil is not too wet. Complete the digging of vacant plots so that the soil can be exposed to the action of air and frost. After spells of frost, look over the cabbage bed and' make firm any plants that have been loosened. Not much sowing can be done now out of doors, but in the town area a pinch of cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce can be; sown. Hotbeds should be made up for the raising of early icrops. A first sowing of early peas may be made —just a row. Try Blue Bantam or Little Marvel. FRUIT GARDEN. Newly-planted raspberries should be cut back to within nine inches of the ground. Established plantations of raspberries and loganberries should be given a good topdressing of manure after forking the ground very lightly. - . The mulch will protect thelroots from cold weather, while the nutriment is washed into the soil by winter rains. Fruit trees of all types can' be planted while-the soil is not sodden. The pruning of the fruit trees should be continued; select any good scions required-for grafting purposes and lay in the; soil in a cool place. If it is proposed to top-graft any trees, these shoulcf, be headed back now. When planting young fruit trees the growth should be cut back twothirds, also cutting clean any/ broken or damaged roots. FLOWER GARDEN. Box edging can be planted now; tread very firm after planting. Oh lawns where the grass is weak a.good topdressing of soil enriched with bonemeal should be applied; this will be washed in by spring. The protection of plants of doubtful hardiness will call for some attention! at this period. To ensure the safety of 'lily bulbs, place a good heap !of coarse sand over the top. If the soil is reasonably well drained the planting of trees and shrubs can be proceeded with. Pergolas for climbing plants add beauty tof the garden; these can be erected now to be ready for planting climbers in September.