GARDENING HINTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 98, 8 December 1939, Page 6

GARDENING HINTS

WATERING OF GROUND

Don't let weeds grow large. While growing they are competing with the plants for nutrients, moisture, and space. Water at this time of the j-ear and later is usuallj- in short supply, and the plants require al! they can get. Nutrients are seldom over-plentiful and should not be wasted in producing unnecessary growth. Light and air are essential in producing vigorous, healthy plants, and if weeds overcrowd plants the latter will never make maximum growth. It is easy to get rid ia'f weeds before they have passed the seedling stage, Avhon they have only very small and undeveloped rooting system. Don't Avater the ground every time the surface is dry. The surface of the soil should- be constantly worked and always dry. When dry, AA*eed seeds will not germinate readily, and the surface acts as a layer betAA-een the drying elements, the sun and wind, and the moisture that is held in the loavci* layers of the soil, preventing undue evaporation of the water. Tf the soil has been AA r ell prepared before soAving or planting—a heavy soil loosened up, and a light soil loosened and allowed to consolidate before being used —this moisture should no difficulty in moving from the moister parts (usually the JoAver layers) to the surface. It cannot trnA-el through the loosened surface, and hence remains about the plant roots. Avherc it is required. After each shoAver of rain the surface layer should be loosened to produce this mulch. Tf the ground is dry, AA'ater it thoroughly and next day loosen the surface. Tn this Avay Avatering, eA r en in very hot, dry AA'eather, need be done only once a week, except in the case of very small seed ings, the roots of which are A r ery near the surface and in soils that are A~ery open and oA r er-draincd. r \ surface mulch of decayed farm manure, compost, or eA'en fresh lawn clippings aa*ill assist considerably in keeping the surface of the soil cool and moist, at the same time premding A*aluable humus. When Avatering, do it thoroughly. Small amounts moisten only the surface layers and stimulate shallow root activity, Avith disastrous results in A'erv dry Aventher. Once the leaves of the plant have groAvn and cover the spaces lie!ween the roAvs they themseh r es act as a protection against excessh r o cA'aporation of mois ture from the soil, and the maintaining of a surface mulch is not s* necessary, nor if: it so easily done.