HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 September 1941, Page 3

HINTS FOR THE AMATEUR

Fruit, Flowers and Vegetables WORK FOR THE WEEK VEGETABLE GARDEN. Sowings of almost all kinds of vegetables can be made this month when the soil is in good condition. Work the soil to a good tilth whenever possible in preparation for ‘ crops. Plant out cabbage, cauliflower and onions, and sow onions for pickling purposes. In jWarm districts a few French beans may be sown. This crop likes warm, dry conditions to be at its best. Continue planting the main crop of potatoes and keep the soil drawn up to the earlier ones when they! are through the soil. FRUIT GARDEN. The strawberry beds will soon need mulching, so get the material ready to hand. Any old fruit trees that are no longer profitable can be made to carry better crops by grafting, over with a better variety. When the blossom has fallen from the peach \ and nectarine trees, spray with lime sulphur for brown rot control. Late (planted fruit trees should be mulched with old manure or compost. FLOWER GARDEN. The choice forms of montbretia can be planted now; these are a great improvement on the common kinds, which become almost a weed. The winter-flowering jasmine should be pruned as soon as the flowers fade. Delphiniums are jnow pushing up a mass of shoots, and these will attract the slugs. Sow in the open ground hardy annuals such as larkspurs, clarkia, godetia, (Shirley poppies and candytuft; these are useful as cut flowers. Continue the sowing of half-hardy subjects in the greenhouse or frame; for Greenfly jwill soon make an appearance on the roses and should be destroyed l on its first onset. ( Plans out the main batch! of gladioli to follow the early ones.