THE SCHOOL GARDEN.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18517, 20 October 1925, Page 5

THE SCHOOL GARDEN.

(specially wbitten for "tite fbsss.") A prominent educationist in tho Homeland writes thus: —"Do not kill the joy of gardening by too much experiment. Here in this Dominion agricultural science is a subject of instruction for St. VI. The main principles of agriculture and horticulture liavo to be taught and put into practice as far as practicable in the school garden, and this demands a certain amount of experiment. Quite a number, however, can bo made that add to the interest and pleasure of the work. f For example, potato culture being the practical subject of the course for this year, a variety of tests, especially those in ivhich the pupils bring their own varieties to pit against those of their classmates, gi VG quite a zest to the experiment. Cultivation tests, also manurial tests —green manure from vetches or other Jegumes compared with that from a non legume; turf from old pasture compared with artificials and a control plot for the lot—are not only highly educative, but add greatly to the pleasUl Doubtless to most delight is derived from the flower border. hen this is neat and well kept, it- cannot fail to have a beneficial effect in the daily lives of the pupils. Teachers, with the limited time at their disposal, should aim at getting the border stocked with perennials, rather than depend on annuals for a displav of colour. Gladioli make a fine show 'in February and March if bulbs are planted now. The writer has been given a large quantity of bulblets from Mr E. "Wiltshire's private collection, which, it may be stated, is one of the finest in Christchurch. Teachers interested in the gladioli may get a packet of these bulblets by making application at once to the chief instructor. The bulblets may be sown in drills as for peas—one to two inches deep in light soils. They will produce bulbs that will bloom the following season. I may add that there are in the mixture bulblets from expensive bulbs, and also bulblets from my own stock. For Nature study the pea family (legumes) demands attention every vear. owing to the economic value of clovers, field peas, and lucerne, etc., that belong to it. The structure of the flower should begin now in the lower standards. Gorse, broom, and kowhai are available. Particular attention should also be given to the roots. The nodule roots of young gorae,

broom, clover, etc., should I>© compared with grass and other roots on which there are none. An experiment to show the value of these nitrogen fixing bacteria on the vetcli or other legume, as well as the value of green manuring generally, should be carried out in ono or more plots every year. One of the prime factors in successful agriculture or horticulture is the maintenance or increase of the humus control of the soil, and the addition of nitrogen from legumes. Questions. 1. Is it advisable to plant potatoes in green unrotted sod, covering with some five inches of soil? Yes. Potatoes flourish in decaying humus-.- Tho 0.0.2 given ofF from the decaying matter renders both phosphates and potash available. 2. Should peaches stocks be grafted ? Do not graft peaches. Trim s"tem clear for 12 inches and bud next February. A poor union is the result from a graft. TQnesSions sent to the Editor of "The Press" will be answered in this column the following week, or as soon as possible afterwards.]