THE GARDEN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 27 April 1945, Page 2

THE GARDEN

Seasonal Notes for Amateurs DANGER OF FROSTS The wintry rain experienced thig week and the snow on the hills will cause an abrupt check to most growth. It will almost certainly finish off the runner beans which up to no\v have borne well. The ground will not be in a fit condition for working for several days. When conditions improve earth up celery and leeks, continue with trenching and improving the soil, and complete the autumn liming. On a dry day lift ripened pumpkins and marrows and on clear nights cover over those not harvested from probable frosts. “Erect covers for young citrus trees and any other frost tender subjects. When the soil is drier, seedling spring cabbage may be set out and broad beans planted. Harvest late potatoes, red beet, which should be stored in dry sand, and mature carrots. ASPARAGUS To some, asparagus appears a luxury vegetable, but it is one which is well worth while growing not only from a nutritional point of view but from a production angle. A well made and well cared for bed will provide plenty of succulent shoots at a time when variety of vegetables is small. It was originally a seaside plant and this explains its liking for top-dress-ings of seaweed and of common salt. Sea sand is useful, too, if it is incorporated in the soil when the bed is made. If the soil is not well drained it is advisable to dig a deep pit to a depth of two feet and line the bottom with shingle or stones. On top of this place vegetable matter and then replace thq soil mixed with some organic manure. It is advisable to raise the bed a little above the surface of the ground. In. good ordinary garden soil it is not necessary to dig a pit first, but the bed must be enriched as far as possible with organic manure. The bed should be made now, and left for wintering, ready for the plants to be set out in spring. It is a good idea to have a path each side of the bed to facilitate picking. Established beds should be regularly topdressed with organic manure, seaweed. if available, and common salt.