Ladies’ Gardening Club

Northern Advocate, 18 May 1943, Page 2

Ladies’ Gardening Club

There was a very large attendance of members at the Ladies’ Gardening Club meeting on Monday last, attracted by the speaker, Mr. L. Courtenay Hall (Auckland). whose subject, “Bio-Dynamic Gardening,’’ aroused increased interest owing to the present-day necessity lor producing more and more vegetables. Mr. Hail, who is a member of the BioDynamic Association of New Zealand, approached his subject by explaining Hie meaning of the term bio-dynamic, which is in direct, opposition to the theory that a plant can be treated as a chemical equation and safely fed by the application of crude unorganic chemicals to the soil. The speaker demonstrated the importance of the leaf as a feeding organ, and showed that the plants absorb substances conveyed 1o them from a distance by radiative forces. How could soil be brought to a fertile condition? The answer to this question was the introduction of humus to the soil, per medium of the compost heap, the construction of which the speaker described in detail, giving dimensions, situation (partial shade and shelter), and composition, stressing the importance of a clay base, thus encouraging the indispensable worker, the earthworm, to deal with the organic mass. The speaker recommended the construction of large heaps 12ft. by 15ft., and 411. high, with sloping sides, as ideal for the generation of sufficient heat to destroy all disease and seeds of difficult weeds. Incidentally, the speaker said such weeds as twitch thus dealt with would break down and make valuable topdressing for tomatoes. Seaweed, said Mr. Hail, was a valuable ingredient in the compost heap. The comnost should be ready for use in six months. Extensive experiments on Ute value of properly prepared humus have brought to light many significant results, the speaker said. Humus carries within it the forces and nutrients capable of enhancing a healthy, assimulative system, and a healthy fruiting system.

It should also he remembered that the top six inches of soil constituted the living part, and humus should be only lightly drilled in. within easy reach of the plants’ root system. Mr. Hall was warmly thanked for his lecture. Tea was served by the hostesses, Mesdames C. Bisset. A. E. Brown, R. Beadle, and J. G. Cutiorth.