VEGETABLE CULTURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20402, 2 November 1929, Page 5 (Supplement)

VEGETABLE CULTURE.

TIME OF RAPID GROWTH. The heavy drenching rain that fell last week, although immediately followed by told southerly winds, has resulted in exceptionally rapid growth of crops, more especially in situations that are at all sheltered from the full force of the winds. At this season of tho year, however, it is surprising how quickly the ground dries after a short period of dry weather, and when many of tho more rapid growing varieties of vegetables such as peas, beans, lettuce and similar crops, are qiiicklv affected by a dry spell. With such crops, as the season advances, mulching is the most successful method of treatment. A good mulch is invariably preferable to artificial watering, unless it is followed by frequent soil stirring, as repeated applications of watering from an artificial source have a hardening effect upon the soil, and are often not productive of the good result that is expected from it. But even when watering becomes necessary the soil is often only lightly sprinkled, instead of being properly soaked, witb the result that the roots in the Search for moisture, are induced to come to the surface where they quickly suffer from ibe least neglect. MATERIAL FOB) MULCHING. Where stable manure is obtainable it is the best material for mulching, as it contains manurial properties that will be conveyed to the roots by rains, though if the ground has been amply provided with plant food, other material, such as grass clippings, partly decayed leaves, or other refuse, that will assist to check evaporation and retain moisture at the roots will be beneficial. Before applying the latter, however, a sprinkling of superphosphate or other stimulating plant food should be applied along tho rows. Special attention must be given to the weeding and thinning of seedling crops, for as already stated growth is now rapid and it thinning is neglected at this time the plants quickly become too large : to thin without severely checking the : growth of those that are left. j ■ . j ATTENTION TO TOMATOES. Early planted tomatoes should be looked over and if any of tho plants have failed : should be replaced. In many instances, the plants are rapidly advancing and will need attention to staking and regulation of growth. For the main crops, the planting out of well-hardened plants can now be done with safety, as there is now sufficient warmth in the soil to ensure quick root action and growth, lho most important thing in tomato culture is to keep all surplus lateral growths well under control, so as to force the strength of the plants in developing the fruit. Precaution should be taken against disease bv occasional spraying of the plants with Bordeaux mixture. Before planting, it is always advisable to dip the plants in that solution as it must in some measure assist to destroy any germs of disease. _ The spraying"of potato crops should in no case be neglected. 1 here are few early crops that are more deceptive as they often appear quite healthy and fiee fiom disease until they commence to flower, when the disease develops and spreads so rapidly as to destroy much of the crop. To be effective the spraying should bo done at reasonable intervals according to the weather and sprayed so that e\eiy portion of the foliage receives some oi ibe material. In showery weather they naturally require more frequent application as heavy rains must weaken its effect. TRENCHES FOR CELERY. Trenches should now be prepared for planting out a row or two of early raised celery. As an autumn and winter salad, or for flavouring soup, or other dishes, few vegetables are more highly prized. In the production of well-grown crisp heads for salad purposes, the free use of welldecomposed manure is an important factor. I, is almost useless to try to grow firstclass plants without a liberal, quantity oi ordiuarv manure or other decayed yceetable matter. With the exception of tho turnip rooted and sell bleaching ce1.... , the best method of culture is to p an in trenches, as this not only confw.es the manure where the plants can duive the greatest benefit from its use, but ... moisture is better retained during hot drv weather, and earthing up is more easily performed as tho plants advr m the self bleaching variety of cclerv is more extensively grown for market purposes as it requires no trenches or earthing up to ensure bleaching, there is no comparison in tho enspness of flavour with well-grown plants tuat icauiro earthing or otherwise darkening until the plants are sufficiently bleached for use. Celery plants aro_ natui.il } cross feeders and require a rich son ui everv stage of their growth. When ready for pricking out into boxes, place a_ thin ]a\vr of manure at the bottom oi the box, and fill with good soil, lho punts should be placed about 4in. apait eac wav to allow of their being lifted with a fair quantity of earth attached to the roots. NEXT WEEK'S EOSE SHOW. This show under the auspices of the Auckland Horticultural Society will be Md in the Unity Hail, Upper Qoeei Street, on Thursday and Inday next. Roses will then be at their best and will bo the leading feature of the show, tarnations, sweet peas,, pansies irises and Other cut flowers, including and table decorations, promise a rare flora treat. Additional interest will be provided bv the Loder Cup. for the best collection of native flora. This cup is .to be competed for annually in ono ofthepnncipal centres. It has been awarded to Auckland this year,