TRANSPLANT!

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 270, 13 November 1937, Page 9 (Supplement)

TRANSPLANT!

THE average gardener overlooks the fact that he can increase his yield

with but little effort if he transplants freely. There are almost certain to be spaces in some rows which can be filled by using small plants, from rows that are overcrowded. Thia may interfere somewhat with the neat appearance of the garden, but it is a real gain in utility.

In small areas, where every inch of ground must be utilised, it pays to study the possibilities which transplanting ipffers. Sometimes turnips, kohlrabi, cabbages and other vegetables will grow faster when they have been transplanted than when left in the original rows. Others will not recover in time to mature quite as early as those which were not disturbed, but this will be an advantage, for they will come along after the crop is past and thus prolong the season.

In the work of transplanting ft is important to remember that success will not be won if the roots are allowed to dry out. If the ground around them is thoroughly soaked before they are moved, the plants will usually receive but little check. It may be that the earth will not stick to the roots when they are lifted, in which case they may be dipped into an artificial mud puddle; the mud will coat over the roots and protect them. It is always well when transplanting to set the plants a little deeper than they stood before. Cabbages, for instance, should be set in the ground to their first leaves.

Trim Off Leaves. Unless the plants are very small, it will be well to trim off the upper half of each leaf. This applies particularly to cabbages, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, celery and similar plants. No cutting of the leaves should be done in the case of the tomato. The advantage in this shearing of the leaves lies in the fact that excessive evaporation is checked and the roots are given a chance to establish themselves quickly.

It is important to shade plants that are set out in hot weather until they become established, unless one can take advantage of a cloudy or rainy day. Branches or old baskets will serve, and even newspapers can be used if the wind is now blowing. Branches placed in the form of a tent will answer very well, three of them being used, not quite touching at the top. They will need no attention at night, but it is better to remove the baskets or other covering after the sun goes down, bo that the plants will get the benefit of the dew and of whatever passing showers may fall.

It is of special importance to thoroughly firm the earth round all plants that have been transplanted. If there are any air pockets around the roots the plants will not become established quickly and may die.