Uncommon Vegetables

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 17, 20 January 1940, Page 9 (Supplement)

Uncommon Vegetables

NOW that everyone is preparing to sow and grow vegetables I suggest the trial of a few uncommon kinds, as they are just a3 worthy of cultivation as those more widely grown. For instance, if maize is sown in pots or early boxes in October and the seedlings hardened off in a glasshouse or frame they will be ready for planting out at the beginning of November in a sheltered, sunny border, setting them two feet apart in rows two and a half feet apart. Tliev require plenty of water as growth proceed?, and they should he staked. They will .thrive best in well-manured soil. Gather the cobs when they are just plump, boil for 20 to 30 minute*?, and serve with butter and salt. Edible podded or sugar peas arc also worth a trial. They may he cultivated in the same way as the ordinary culinary pea; f their only fault is that they grow tall, even eight or nine feet. The peas may be cooked whole or shelled, and pods cooked alone. Celeriac is also worth its room in any garden, large or small. It is much hardier than celery, and may be lifted and stored in sand if the weather becomes severe. Sow the seeds in October and Xovc-iu-! her and treat as for celery. Plant the seedlings on level ground at the end of November and De-cember, in not over ■ rich soil, two feet between the rows and » ]•"> to IS inches in the rows. Trim ofF all lateral shoots and from time to time draw the soil away from the roots and trim off the top fibres. Whe.a they arc practically fully grown, cover the roots with soil to blanch them. T hcy should be ready for use from February onwards.