GARDENING NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, 4 August 1921, Page 35

GARDENING NOTES

(By Mr. J. Joyce, Landscape Gardener, Christchurch.) ' WORK FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST. The Vegetable Garden. —With the near approach of spring renewed activity in gardening pursuits will be essential; Providing the ground has been prepared during the u inter months the soil conditions should be suitable for the sowing of early spring seeds, and the planting.out of eailv cauliflower, cabbage, and lettuce. It is necessary loi the soil to be in a moderately dry state for seed sowing. These should include peas and beans, also early potatoes, in a 1 lost-free situation.if possible. Where there is a danger of potatoes being sown in a plot likely to be attacked by frost straw or stable manure should be laid along the rows so as to be readily available in an emergency for protective purposes. It is always a good precaution to keep the young potato plants well moulded up while frosts are likely to be prevalent, and especially during the early stages of their growth. A square of onions may be sown any time during the present month. Now is a good time to prepare a hot bed to propagate tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, and many of the early flower seeds. 3he Flower Garden. Keep the lawns constantly cut and rolled, the latter operation being very necessary at this period. Sow down new lawns as early as possible; the seed should be sown fairly thickly and well covered as a protection from the raids of small birds. New lawns re- . quire Jo be lightly rolled after being sown, and frequently when 'the grass is well grown. Where old lawns require renewing they should be top-dressed with fine new soil well raked in. Seeds of tender annuals require to be sown in boxes and placed in a greenhouse or frame for protection. Roses and shrubs may be planted now; indeed the sooner all tree planting is done the Hotter it will be for them. The time of year has now arrived, too, when the planting out of bulbs should be finished. The Fruit Garden.—lt is necessary to have all pruning .and spraying completed without further delay.