PARSNIPS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 282, 23 August 1940, Page 14

PARSNIPS

When To Lift Them Since frost improves them, it is customary to leave parsnips in the ground during the winter, lifting supplies for the kitchen as required. But there comes a time when Ihe parsnips start to make fresh growth, and when they do this they are spoiled for cooking. This time is near at hand, so it. is very important to lift the parsnips now and store them away somewhere. Use a fork to ease each root out of the ground, working carefully so that there are no breakages. Any simple method of storage will do for the roots; there is no need to bother about packing them iu tiers between layers of sand. Simply put them down in an airy shed and cover them over with dry sand, to prevent their shrivelling and so losing flavour. If you notice any roots starting x to grow out of the top, cut off the growth close to the crown. SHRUBS AND FRUIT TREES Only Few More Weeks To Plant Gardeners who are contemplating planting shrubs or fruit trees should do so without delay, as only a few more weeks remain, if planting is to be done this year. It-is always advisable to plant all trees at or near their most dormant period as the shock of transplanting is then less severe and the trees have a chance of sending out new root growth before summer sun and wind makes the soil hard to penetrate.

Make up your order promptly and have your plots all ready tv receive the plaids when they arrive. CORRESPONDENCE Answers To Inquiries

Lemon Trees Blighted.—No.' 1 has been attacked by black scale insects. The «oot is a fungus which lives on the honeydew secreted by black scale. No. 2 has been attacked by red mite. The Horticulture Division, Department of Agriculture, recommends spraying when growl it commences I October) with summer oil. 3 per eent., and nicotine sulphate, 1 in 860. liepeat if necessary in February. Prune the trees now, cutting out dead and diseased wood. These pests are liable to be troublesome in dry districts. ("Citrus." Levin.) Aills in Rock Garden — Dissolve a little camphor in water and spray it. on th'' soil. Repent at intervals of a week. Ants dislike the smell of camphor. It will not harm plants. (Miss 15. O'C., 1 Listings.) Plaids for a Shady Border.—Anemone japonic;), tritoma (red-hot pokers’), liliums, primulas, aquilegia, primroses, and violets should meet your requirements. . (Mrs. C.8.M., Wellington.) Soil for Lupins.— Almost any garden soil that has been deeply dug and enriched with organic manure will suit lupins. They must have access Io humus to do well, and if it cannot be supplied in the form of well-decayed farmyard manure, it should be made up of composted household refuse. (“Tyro." Karori.l