GROUND FOR KUMARAS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 249, 21 October 1933, Page 6 (Supplement)

GROUND FOR KUMARAS.

METHODS OF MANURING

Ground intended for kumara crops should bo broken up and placed in as fmo a tilth as possible in readiness for planting toward the ead of the present and during the succeeding month. If the ground has been previously manured and used for other crops it is not advisable to apply any further manuring at the time of planting, as too rich a soil tends to promote too much top growth. If, 011 the other hand, the ground is inclined to be poor a little nitrogenous fertiliser may be used. Phosphates and potash are useful manures for kumara*?. Superphosphate two parts and sulphate of potash in one part forms a good mixture for the purpose. This, however, should not be applied until the time for planting, when it may be broadcast over the whole plot, or it may bo sprinkled over where each plant is to bo placed. In many cases the ground in which early potatoes have been grown is selected for kumara growing, and in such cases little or no further manuring is required, as the soil usually retains sufficient manurial properties to grow kumaras successfully. In preparing the ground very deep working is not desirable for this crop, as the kumara requires a fairly firm bed or pan with a covering of about 7in or Sin of finely broken up soil in which to develop its tubers. In cases where the soil has been loosened up to a greater depth it is advisable to endeavour to consolidate it by tritmpling the plots, afterwards forking over and loosening up the soil to the depth above mentioned. After planting should any of the plants show signs of deterioration or be needing assistance, the fertiliser, already mentioned can be applied with advantage, the amount being governed by the supplies already in the soil.

MELONS. The different varieties of melons may now be sown -with comparative safety, although better results will be achieved by covering until the plants are fairly well advanced. For rock melons select a fairly strong, loamy soil in which manure has been applied for a previous crop, but no fresh manure should be applied before sowing. Make the soil fairly firm before putting in the seed, arranging the plots about 6ft to 7ft apart, according to varieties. Water and pie melons require more space to spread, so that the plots should be arranged about Oft to 12ft apart, according to varieties. In preparing the plots, holes 3ft or 4ft in diameter should be thrown out the depth of the spade,, and a good layer of well decomposed manure or other decayed vegetable matter placed in and mixed with the bottom soil, refilling the holes with good soiL If the ground is of a light, free nature, sowing on the level surface is preferable to sowing on raised mounds, ae the plants are less exposed to the winds and not liable to be affected by drought. Before the plants commence to spread, the whole of the ground between the plots should be dug over to allow ample room for the roots to spread.