CARROTS AS A FIELD CROP.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 17 June 1907, Page 1

CARROTS AS A FIELD CROP.

A good crop of carrots is always an tcceptable field crop. They are most ■iseful in more ways than one. There s always a brisk demand for them at . higher price than any other root that s icrown on the farm, and as stock food •n hcnlth or sickness there is none bet'■•■r. For sickly animals, and those dis-iN'.-d to reject other foods, carrots are I'vays an excellent change. There is never a cry of too many, but a short 'ge is often very much felt. The crop s not one I would advise on heavy stiff 'and. The roots must penetrate and levelop into clean specimens, and when forked and twisted they are not good, ■lcither ace the roots that are perforated with worms, and precautions must Se taken to prohibit their depredations. A sandy soil is best for carrot growing, and those with such would do well to devote a few acres to them, both for home use and selling. Early in April is the best time to sow the seed. The soil must be deeply cultivated, and no long manure should be ■ised. Shart material is admissible, but if the soil is in good heart this too should be left out. Useful' fertilisers ire 4cwt of superphosphates, 2cwt of Wmli, and 3cwt of soot per acre, all ■sown broadcast and deeply harrowed in. All should be drilled in rows 20 inches apart and 2 inches deep. They should be drilled as thin as possible, and if the seeds cling together, as is sometimes the case, rub them apart before putting in the drill. After sowing md when the surface is dry, it should be rolled firmly. They can be hand or hcvse hoed when a few inches high, and must be thinned out to 6in apart before they become crowded.