AMONG THE VEGETABLES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20454, 4 January 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

AMONG THE VEGETABLES.

AN ABUNDANT SUPPLY.

It, is seldom indeed that conditions have been so favourable for tho production of an abundant supply of vegetable crops as during the present season. From early spring up to the present crops have in no instance suffered for the want of moisture. This has resulted in exceptionally rapid growth and in the production of heavier crops, and of much better quality than when dry weather prevails. As the season advances, however, drier weather must naturally bo expected and latersown crops will need more careful cultivation, so that means must be taken to provide tho roots with the necessary moisture to ensure healthy growth. It is during the dry summer weather that tho advantage of deeply-worked soil and good cultivation is mostly in evidence, as in such soil the roots of young plants penetrate more deeply into the soil and are not, in consequence, so quickly affected by a dry spell. Plants naturally vary in their requirements. Some, especially, cannot bo grown successfully during the dry weather without a plentiful supply of moisture, but oven these will continue to grow and remain healthy for a much longer period when growing in ground that has been deeply worked and provided with the necessary plant food.

CABBAGES AND CAULIFLOWERS. Advantage should be taken of present conditions * for planting cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli. Brussel sprouts and other colworts. To grow these to the best advantage a deep, rich soil is essential. The chief difficulty during the drv weather with almost any of the brassica family is to protect the foliage from tho ravages of the fly (or grub). Before planting, dip the plants in a solution of arsenate of lead. This will adhere to the under sides of the leaves and will, for a time at least, protect the foliage from this pest. Occasional spraying, however, will be necessary during the dry, hot weather with either arsenate of lead or Black Leaf 40 to keep the pest under control. To be most effective the spray requires to be applied so that tho under side as well as tho upper side of the leaves is well moistened with the solution.

PEAS AND BEANS. Further sowings can be made of peas, dwarf and butter beans with every prospect of success. The soil, too, should now be in excellent, condition for sowing carrots, parsnips, turnips, swedes, turnip rooted beets, spinach, lettuce and other autumn and winter crops. For carrots and other root crops the ground from which potatoes have been dug should be in the best condition for sowing. In sowing at this season few seeds require to he sown as thickly as those sown earlier in the season, as at this time there are fewer slugs to attack the seedlings when coming up.

MANURING OF PLANTS. RULES FOR GROWERS. Tn the successful production of nearly nil plants and flowers manure forms no inconsiderable part as to the success attained. Most growers soon learn that all plants, particularly those that are confined to pots or other vessels, require some stimulating food in some form or other. A [thought no hard and fast rule can he laid down as to its use, its application is of so much importance that it is advisable lo draw attention not only to the benefits to be derived from its use, but to the failures that may result from its abuse.

Growers should be warned against the regular use of riumiirial solutions of definite strength and o! watering at regular intervals, such as daily, weekly or at any other slated time. YVlien this is done one either gives water when not needed or else gives a much less supply than the plants require. A hot day or a cold drying wind will have considerable influence upon all plant life, and during such a time double the quantity of moisture may be needed in comparison to a dull, wet period. If water is

Riven at stated limes, without regard lo the plants' requirements, the two extremes Si often f:it:il in plant, life are reached. If it. is of :,o much importance to apply clean water wit I) ' are. it, becomes far more, :;o v/li< n dealing with liquid nianures. In applying these there are Iwo points wliieh should never lie losl. Ki v ght, of, i.e., not. to Rive .stimulants except, when the plants are in full growth; unless the roots of a plant are in r.ii'ii condition as to enable it to ;;s::imdal.e this fnriii "I food quickly it, may have an injurious instead of a. henelirial effect. J''iom this one, can readily imagine, the folly of applying liquid manure to poor, weakly plants, or lo plants that are naturally going lo rest.

.Another mistake is that of applying solutions of too strong a nature. It, is far belter and safer to apply the same quantity in two or three doses. Nor should any plants that have been iccenlly polled be watered with liquid manure until the food conlained in the soil has become weakened and the soil well permeated with roots. Otherwise the application will only lend I > mi,<" the compost slide, and distasteful, instead of aiding plant growth. A pot bound plant derives the greatest henefii from liquid manure. Tho exact strength depends so much upon the class of manure used, as well as upon the subject treated, that, no definite guide can be given. For example, strong, vigorous, quick-growing plants will absorb and benefit, from much stronger and more frequent doses I ban would be sale or necessary lo apply to slow-growing, finerrooting kinds. The best rule to follow, whether it be, in pot culture or in tho open ground, is to apply liquid manure when I lie plants can no longer obtain the necessary food from the soil. There must lie the necessity for extra food, viz., healthy growth with its attendant hungry roots, for tho plants to derive the greatest benefit from its use,,