ROUTINE GARDEN WORK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19806, 29 November 1927, Page 16

ROUTINE GARDEN WORK.

CONTINUING OPERATIONS. Operations in the garden will be temporarily suspended owing to rainy weather, but should be continued as soon as the ground dries up sufficiently. Ono of the first operations which should be carried out is" to loosen the surface of the soil between the rows. By doing this the moisture which is soaked into the soil will be conserved and thus the store of moisture will bo 'replenished. Inter-cultivation between the crops not only stores up the moisture, but it also assist the crops in another way. It aerates the sod and so encourages root development. The extended root system gathers more food and so the development of the crop is encouraged. Those who have grown a crop of early potatoes will soon be receiving tho benefit of it by being able to enjoy "new" potatoes." The present is about the time for lifting the early crop. Those with later crops may also obtain "new" potatoes by "rabbitting," i.e., by burrowing in the ridges at the bases of the plants and taking any tubers that are largo enough. Tho soil must then be replaced or the crop will not continue to develop. Continue the sprayings of the crop until the potatoes are dug. Up to the present the writer has riot noticed much blight about, and so growers should continue to prevent infection. Especially is a spraying necessary when the weather becomes humid. Sp'rays which may be used are Bordeaux 4-4-40, Burgundy 4-5-40 or lime sulphur 1 in 50. Apply tho spray thoroughly, remembering that spraying of the under surface of the leaves is most important.