THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 46, 23 February 1929, Page 6

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

The dry spell has hung up most operations; where possible, however, vacant ground should be prepared for new crops. Scarlet Runner Beans should be closely picked, and the row well supplied with water. A sowing of Dwarf Beans can be made. V/ater the drills well before sowing the Beans. Tomatoes can be kept free of caterpillars by spraying with arsenate of lead. Haricot Beans that are ready should be harvested, and stored. Onions should be hung up in a dry, cool shed, not left lying about on the soil. If you are doing any seed-saving be sure and select only the mostperfect types and from plants free of disease. This applies particularly to Tomatoes. Everyone seems to try their hand at saving Tomato seed, and the result is seen in a crop of rough, corrugated, diseased fruits. Seed growing is a lifelong study. Leeks can be planted for winter use. Kumaras are growing fast, and the runners should be lifted occasionally to prevent them rooting. Potatoes, Onions, Shallots, and any crops that need harvesting, should be attended to at once. Where it is possible to put up a shaded frame, a little seed of Cabbage, Cauliflowers, Lettuce, can be sown. Put some supports to the tops of Asparagus to prevent them getting broken by the wind. Gather and burn all rubbish. A lot of waste and weeds can be got rid of on the fire heap at this time of the year.