GARDENING NOTES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 10 July 1925, Page 8

GARDENING NOTES.

(By “ Wuratah.’’)

SPROETI NG ,'>EKI) POTATOES

It is now a well-c.- ia I>l Pint thill to ensure ii good crop of porn loos it is necessary to have the need uieeit sprouted before plunliug. The method of boxing and sprouting .seed is strongly recommended by the Department of Agriculture, anil is adopted by most of those who grow potatoes tor the markets. There are many advan-| tages to he gained hv (sprouting—the sp'routed sets mature earlier, and there are fewer blanks in a planting <>! sprouted sets, as any that tiro useless can be observed previous to planting. The (irst sprouts. which are the strongest, are preserved. whereas d left i’ll a bag or pit the sprouts are weak, long and blenched: m most eases the sprouts are broken oil in handling, and the tuber has to throw out other shoots at the expense ol ilvitality. The fir.-l shoots are the strongest, stud if allowed m develop in a light. frost-proof place are strong and more able to resist- disease anti unfavourable weather conditions than long, weak shoots. Any shallow box iiuiv lie used to place the potatoes to to sprout. A kerosene case with the lid nailed mi and then sawn in bait through the sides will make two good potato boxes, and each will hold alumt pi lbs of seed. Select rubers about two ounces itt weight and about the si/e of a lion's egg. and place them closely together with the ‘‘rose or round end uppermost. it is not always possible to obtain small seed of some varieties of potatoes, and if it is necessary to cut the large tubers this should not be done until just .before they are planted. when it is an advantage to dip the cut portion into powdered sulphur or lime. Only two strong shoots should he allowed to grow on each small tuber, and four on large ones which are to he cut. All other shoots should he rubbed off. The boxes should stand in a light, airy shed, and he protected tit night from frost by placing sheets of paper over them. Early in August, if the weather is favourable, early suits can he planted in a warm, slielteied position in rows two loot apart, allowing a foot between the sets. \) lieu the tops appeaar through the soil, if frost threatens, some soil should be drawn over them.

RHUBARB. Young plants raised from seed can be planted out any time during the winter. The ground must be deeply ternched and well manured. The situ ation of the heel' shoo'd be ‘ sheltered and suniiv. I lie 'plants, should be placed four fee*- apart, as they need plenty of room when well established. The crown of each p'ant should he placed just level with the surface. It is not advisable to pull any stalks the first season. As soon as the warm weather arrives, water must be supplied freely in dry periods. A mulch of stable manure or grass mowings tround each plant will keep.the soil moist and save labour in watering. Topp's Improved Winter rhubarb is a great acquisition. Tlie plants grow on through the winter and save the necessity of forcing rhubarb-tor early use. ASPARAGUS. Those who. intend planting a.spargus should prepare the bed ready for plant-ing-in August if they have not -already clone so. The, soil should be deeply trenched and well manured. Beds five feet wide are most convenient, as there is then no necessity to tread on the bed when culling the shoots, and possibly damaging those just beneath the surface. The plants should be placed ISin. apart, and a bed oft. wide will accommodate three rows of plants. ’When planting make a trench five inches deep ami the width of the spade clown the .centre of the bed, and make small mounds of soil ISin. apart. Upon' these place the plants, with the roots spread evenly" all round. Cover the roots with fine soil, leaving the crowns four inches > below the surface. Place another raw on each side of the centre ISin. away in a similar manner. In small gardens when only a- few plants are grown it i s better to make one |ong row. , The surface of asparagus beds should a l ways ho kept in a loose condition, particularly in spring, to enable the shoots to come through without becoming bent. ROUTINE WORK. Prune fruit trees, currant and gooseberry bushes. Plant bulbs of shallots and garlic. Sow under glass lobelia, sweet peas, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower and lettuce to plant out in spring. Plant cabbage and cauliflower plants. Put seed potatoes in boxes to sprout. Earth up young plants of broad-beap-s, peas, etc. Dig and manure vacant ground.

Plant fruit trees, shelter trees, ornamental shrubs and rose trees when conditions are favourable.