HINTS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 179, 29 July 1903, Page 8

HINTS.

Peas. —xbe ground for peas should be similarly prepared as for potatoes. Xlie site of the celery trenches being liberally manured and deeply dug otters a good position for peas, especially the main crop varieties. The warm, well drained soil of a north border answers well for early dwarf peas. Trenches are sometimes opened and manure dug into the bottom, returning tue soil and soaiug the peas; but this is not so good a pliUi as freely trenching a wider space, so that tbe loots may have a freer run. Onions. —The ground f or this crop cannot be too deeply dug or freely manured in the autumn. If not done at that time it may be carried out now, using, however, less manure than in autumn and more decomposed in character: but the digging or trenching should be as deep. Autumn cultivation renders the soil longer exposed to the influence of the weather, and at the present time it may be forked over and well broken down, so as to ameliorate >t and bring it to a fine tilth for sowing. Previous to this, however, in the case of onions it must be well dried on the surface, and then rrod firmly afterwards, raking and smoatLVs preparatory to draw shallow drills for sowing. Potatoes. —These like pulverised, well dug and sweetened soil. The groun-i is best if enriched with manure some time previous, and afterwards well forked over, adding any light material or wood ashes. If Ihe ground Is poor, and it is necessary to add manure prior to planting, let it be of a decomposed character.

Potatoes in Store. —Where potatoes have not been stored in the best condition, it is essential that the tubers be looked over, and all that have commenced to decay or show signs of disease ought to be picked out. Dry positions must be found for the storage of the tubers, and light excluded by a covering of straw. Bags, dry and sweel, are admirable for storing potatoes, as these may be packed one above the other if room is limited.

Selecting Seed Potatoes.—lf the stock of seed from the tubers in store has to be selected, this may be done when the sorting Is done. Pick out the medium-sized and best-shaped tubers, free from disease. Arrange them singly in layers in boxes, which stand in a semi-light position in a cool place. ; Of course, the whole of the stock of seed potatoes, if the quantity is large, cannot be Stored in boxes. Except for the tubers which it is intended should be sprouted and planted in this condition, the bul* may be preserved in the ordinary way, out spreadIng them out thinly rather than in heaps, and omitting covering, for under the action of light and air the skins become green and hardened. These tubers are excellent for planting in frames, as they push stout giowths quite early if assisted with a little gentle heat. Grape Vines. —Late Tines existing above pot-grown plants in amateurs' greenhouses should be pruned as soon as the leaves ripen, to assure all the light possible to the latter. Cut each lateral growth back to one eye, excepting in instances where, here and there, an exceptionally strong one may occur. These mny have the strongest bud retained, generally the fourth or fifth. Toung canes near the base if any vine should be cut back to a third of length, or one-half, accordingly as it is thick or attenuated. Before the vines art- again tied to the rafters it is well to paint"them over; with a consistent mixture of sulphur and clay Should any be infested with mealy; bne' add a little paraffin to above mixture,, a*'the rnte of a winpsrlassful to the gallon. Rhubarb stools already show signs of growin-r. especially those of oarly varieties. It is dpsirable. therefore, in regard to all early forms to place a few inches of dry, lieht litter over them. Should cold winds" follow this will protect them from injury; on the other hand they will; during continued mild Intel vflls.. be making progress in view of giving exceptionally eariy supplies. The very facts that such early varieties are already moving and showing the colour of their crowns anci embryo leaves go to show how easily such mny be advanced —if not actually forced, by covering them with pots, boxes, or the like, and covering these also with other material. The desirability has been previously urged of heavy manuring, and also of breakins up the surface of the ground around rhubarb stools. If this has not been done It should be. before covering them as above-. It may be well to add. old stools, or roots, which have existed on the same space for two or more years, especially if the leaves have been unduly pulled, become enervated, and the produce small and-indifferent. In such instances it is necessary to carefully dig up each foot, liberally manure, and deeply dig or trench the space, and replant them; or. better still, plant them in well prepared ground on a new site. In.like manner, all who contemplate starting rhubarb growing should promptly procure plants and plant on above lines. In purchasing roots bear in mind too low prices mer.n very small roots, with the result that they take a year longer to give returns. s > It is desirable to grow, at least, an early and a late variety, as the latter comes Jα for use after tfie former is exhausted.