ARTICHOKES FOR PIGS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 308, 27 November 1936, Page 5

ARTICHOKES FOR PIGS.

EXCELLENT WINTER FOOD. Jerusalem artichokes arc excellent for pigs and few foods are more relished by them. The tubers in the raw state are very nutritious, more especially for sows in pig, and for sows reduced in weight and condition after rearing litters. They act as a diuretic and provide a healthy action of. the kidneys and stimulate liver functions.

The soil in which artichokes are grown needs thorough cultivation. It should be deeply ploughed during winter, harrowed occasionally, and lightly reploughod in September, just before the tubers are planted. The tubers are planted by dropping them into furrow's threo feet apart, with a space of two feet between the tubers. They are covered by turning a furrow over them. About 4cwt of tubers will plant an acre, and 2ewt of superphosphate and lewt of sulphate of potash an acre will stimulate growth and increase tho 51 If rain falls immediately after planting the harrow should be run over the surface. This should be repeated when the plants are four inches high. Harrowing checks evaporation, destroys weeds, and will not injure the crop. Later, the cultivator should be. kept moving between the rows about once a month. The crop matures in about five months, and is ready for use when the flowers and tops droop and die. It is best to turn the pigs into the field to root out the tubers. ,