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FLOWER GARDEN
Sow Calendulas this month, there are some great varieties available. Lots of watering will be needed. Pay attention to the watering of Asters, Dahlias and Chrysanthemums this month. Dahlias and Chrysanthemums should be severely disbudded this month if good flowers are desired, that is quality not quantity. Deadhead all other flowers and pick off seedheads. Belladonna Lilies and Lycoris soaked with water will immediately rush into flower.
During this month and next is the best time to sow Stocks, Cinerarias, Pansies, Antirrihinums and Early flowering Sweet Peas. Some of the new colours of these flowers are very beautiful.
Roses that have been pruned back after the November-December flowering will now be showing a fresh supply of bloom. Spray for aphids.
This is the time to order spring flowering bulbs.
February is the month when every drop of moisture needs to be conserved in the soil, and the how should be kept going to keep the topsoil loose and thus allow for free aeration. Special attention should be paid to watering and liquid manuring. Make sure you water the soil before applying the liquid manure.
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VEGETABLE GARDEN
Transplant Cabbage, Cauliflower and Celery. Sow carrots and parsnips for winter use when vegetables are scarce, also sow Silverbeet, Spinach, lettuce, Radish, Peas, Beans and turnips. In dry weather it is better to sow lettuce straight into the garden. Continue sowing for salads Spring onions, Cress, Mustard, and radish in cool moist positions. The last sowing made now be made of French and Wax beans. Sowings should not be made after this. Keep soil well stirred and hoed around crops as it acts as a mulch and conserves moisture. Plant out sprouting broccoli.
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FRUIT GARDEN
Spray apples and Pears to combat red mite and mildew. The summer pruning of Peaches, Nectarines and most Japanese and hybrid plums will check excessive growth, make for well branched dwarfer trees and considerably reduce the winter pruning. The strawberry bed if to be retained for the second year, should have all runners removed and old foliage cut off and burnt. Where not previously done cut away old Loganberry canes that have finished fruiting and then spray new canes with Cuprox or similar. |