GARDENING NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, 16 August 1917, Page 35

GARDENING NOTES

(By Mr. J. Joyce, Landscape Gardener, Christchurch.) THE KITCHEN GARDEN. The month of August, which ushers in the spring, is a busy one in the garden. With fine weather and the soil in good condition, work in plenty will now be found to do. Early potatoes may Ibe planted in a favorable situation; a well-sheltered, sunny spot for choice. A good plan is to have handy a supply of short straw or stable manure so that the young shoots may be quickly protected should frost threaten. ' Late frosts are usually experienced about the time the early potato shoots appear above the surface of the ground. A sowing of early peas and broad beans may now also be made, but unless the young shoots—for which the small birds have a great likingare protected with wirenetting, the sowing of peas is more or less a waste of energy and material. For a succession it is well to sow again when the first lot appear well above ground. A small quantity of turnip seed should now be sown and it matures very quickly. The Early Milan is a very early variety. It is not wise to sow too lavishly, as turnips quickly run to seed ; the young leaves, however, make a good substitute for spinach. An occasional small sowing of lettuce and radish may also be made. If the soil is in good working order most garden seeds may now be sown, but if wet or cloggy it is better to wait a while longer. Parsnips, carrots, beet, spinach, leeks, and onions may be sown any time now when the conditions are favorable. Plant the asparagus bed according to the methods mentioned in previous articles. Those who have plenty of stable manure at their disposal could not do better than have an asparagus bed for raising their tender seedlings and plants. Plant rhubarb and sea kale. If the rhubarb roots are grown old and unproductive, dig them up and chop them apart, leaving about three buds to each crown, and plant them in good, prepared soil, where they will soon renew themselves. To get rhubarb early and tender, place some boxes or small barrels over the crown to keep out the sun and air, and to blanch the stalks. THE FLOWER GARDEN. Those proposing to lay down a lawn should do so now as soon as posible, providing the ground is in a fit state to work. If bare patches appear on the lawn now is the proper time to treat them if returfmg is necessary. If otherwise, then scatter seed, top dress with light soil, and roll well in. The grass should be mowed regularly, and then rolled ; rolling is absolutely necessary to cultivate a good, solid turf. - Hardy annuals may now be sown in patches in the flower beds and borders. If the soil is not too rich a sprinkling of bone-meal or fertiliser may be applied with advantage, worked well in with the rake or hoe before planting the seeds. It is a good plan to reserve some of the seed for. another planting in September. THE FRUIT GARDEN. If all the planting of fruit and other trees is not yet completed, the time is still favorable and the work may be carried on right into September. When the leaves begin to burst forth it is a warning that the planting season is drawing to a close.