CABBAGES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 57, 7 March 1936, Page 6 (Supplement)

CABBAGES.

The soil between cabbages, broccoli etc., should be kept loose by hoeing! Indeed, jt is -well to hoe as often as possible and not to wait for the soil to became close before doing so. It does not readily close up when there is no rain, and once loose it may remain so for a long time. Weeds, 'however, appear to grow no matter how dry it may be, and these should be checked. Keeping the- top soil loose has a great ellect on the growth of plants. It admits air, which is necessary, and keeps the heat of the sun from penetrating deeply. The caterpillar of the diamond backed moth, the so-called cabbage fly," is ustlally troublesome in dry summers, or, more correctly speaking, it is always troublesome except in very wet summers. Frequent cultivation lias somo effect in reducing the numbers of this pest. When disturbed the caterpillars uncoil a threadlike silk and roll down it to the ground. The plants should be brushed roughly to disturb the caterpillars and if the soil is then drawn up to the plants many of tliem will be buried. In the hearts of the plants, where are the young, teuder leaves, there most of the caterpillars are usually to be found, and it is there they do most harm. The destruction of the young, partly grown leaves stops development. Those found in this position, being well sheltered and often very young, do not leave the plant when disturbed, but coil themselves up and shelter more closely. These must bo destroyed if the plants are to be saved, for unless the plants can be induced to grow there is little hope of saving them. If tho soil is very dry watering must form part of the remedial measures. When the area planted is extensive it is useless to attempt to save the plants unless rain is fairly frequent. The caterpillars have a strong dislike to wet conditions. Arsenate of lead, lib to 40 gallons of water, used as a spray will kill them. Tar water is first tflass as a preventive, but it will not kill tho caterpillars. Moths of all kinds have a strong objection to the smell of tar, and if plants smell strongly of it tliey will not lay their eggs on them. Tar water is made by boiling Alb of fresh coal tar in about two gallons of water till thoroughly dissolved; then make up to 20 gallons with cold water. Do not put the tar in until tho water boils. Apply copiously to the plants and soil through the rose of a watering pot.