AMONG THE VEGETABLES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIII, Issue 77, 13 March 1933, Page 10

AMONG THE VEGETABLES

The Pests: The cabbage fly is now at its worst stage, and tnqny hole-laden plants adorn the kitchen gardens. A mixture of arsenate of lead and Black Leaf 40 will help to exterminate the pests. Spray every week until thoroughly in hand. Mildew on peas and beans can be controlled by using lime and sulphur, although a frequent hosing of the foliage and roots will be very effective. Puff out and burn any tomato plants that are too badly blighted, as spraying will be of no use. Winter Crops: The fly will be finished this month and gardeners should be preparing ground to plant out winter greens. .Savoy or winter cabbage is u hardy type that is easily grown.

In southern districts Brussels Sprouts and Curley or Scotch Kale may be set. These succeed best where they receive the winter frosts. Broccoli now takes the place of Cauliflower, and matures when vegetables command the best market price. Leeks and Celery can be set in specially trenched ground and moulded up as they grow.

Seeds to Sow: Provided there is a good water supply the, following root crops may be sown. First rake the soil finely and make a drill with tiro hand fork to receive the seed. Secondly, thoroughly soak the soil along the drill and sow the seed after. Thirdly, cover over lightly with dry soil and lightly sprinkle with the hose. By preparing in this method there is enough moisture under the seed to start germination. Sow now, and thin out as they grow, carrots, turnips, swedes, beet and radish Parsley can be sown in clumps if required. Winter spinach can be sown at once.

Odd Jobs: Marrows, cucumbers, and pumpkins that have passed their usefulness should be pulled out and the ground prepared for other crops. Store all available pumpkins in a dry shed to keep for winter use. Prepare ground for garlic, shallots and potato onion planting. These root crops love potash and a good sprinkling should be scattered over the ground when digging. All vegetable crops should be thinned out early, because delay means overcrowding and weakly plants, also there is less disturbance to the root growth. Peas and Beans: Unless your garden is well protected, don’t attempt to sow an v more peas and beans. Rather concentrate on the rows already in and keep the ground well hoed and worked along. Moulding the soil up along tne rows helps to keep the moisture in. Peas and beans should be picked frequently. otherwise they are apt to stop ■ bearing and form seed. Liquid manure ■ at the bearing stage prolongs the fruitI ing period. I Ground can be prepared for a sowing of Broad Beans in the near future. —