VEGETABLE CROPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20650, 23 August 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

VEGETABLE CROPS.

TILLAGE AND SOWING. The welcome change in the weather experienced during the past week will soon enable work in the vegetable garden to be carried on with greater dispatch. A few fine days at this season soon dries the soil sufficiently to allow of it being worked, especially land that has previously been deeply and well broken up. Success in vegetable culture depends largoly upon the condition of the soil at the time of sowing, as well as upon the nature of the seeds sown. Before sowing the surface should be finely broken up, and if sown in drills, which is id every caso the best for the convenience of hoeing, weeding, and thinning, a line should be used, and the drills drawn at an even depth, and at regular intorvals apart, the seeds being covered with as fine a soil as possiblo. For such crops as carrots, parsnips, tur-nip-rooted beet, silver beet, onions, spinach, turnip, lettuce, and similar crops, the drills should be drawn from 12in. to 15in. apart, according to variety and strength of crop, the seod9 being covered with about £in. of fine soil. Fortnightly sowings, too, should be made of radishes and mustard and cress.

Early sown peas are making good progress, and should be given every assistance. Keep the ground well loosened up, and as soon as they are sufficiently advanced for earthing up give a sprinkling of superphosphate along each side of the rows before drawing the earth up to the plants. To maintain a succession of crop, sowing should now be made about every three weoks. Broad beans are a useful crop, on account of their hardiness. Sowings of these can still be made, although autumn sown crops invariably succeed best, as they usually set their pods before the humble bee punctures and destroys the fertilisation of the flowers. Next to peas, dwarf and runner beans are a popular summer vegetable. These, however, are naturally tender subjects, and unless in exceptionally warm, favourable positions, nothing is by sowing until later, or until there is plenty of warmth in the soil. Even tnen sheltered position should bo chosen for sowing the early crops.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. " Sturmer." Morrinsville. —The drj-ing effects of the air has probably caused the apples to slightly Bhrivel, as per samples sent. J.D.M., New Plymouth.—The two apples sent in the tin had sweated and were in a decaying state. The variety is evidently the Eurrknot, sometimes called Rummer Pearmain. Tho flesh is a pure yellow. It is a highly-esteemed variety. A.G., Hawke's Bay.—ln the spring a dressing of sulphate of ammonia 3lb. and superphosphate Blb. per 40 square yards is about tho best fertiliser at this season. A top-dressing of blood and bone, lightly chipped in around each plant, would be beneficial. Grass on lawns during the winter need cut when the growth warrants it. It is better to leave the clippings on tho lawn. J.J.F., Maungaturoto.—The samples of native tree found near Kaiwaka belong to the conifer Dacrydium Kirkii, named after Professor Kirk. It is a very rare and exceedingly handsome tree, found only in the regions between Auckland and the North Cape. The two forms of foliage on each plant or branch of the plant are characteristic of the species. It is to be hoped that the tree from which the branches were taken will be preserved. Remuera.—Passion-fruits require to be fully matured for seed-saving. The fruits you have should be kept until the skins are discoloured and crinkled beforo extracting tho seeds, which should be sown immediately after, either in rows in the open ground or in shallow boxes. (jooq results are often obtained by inserting tho whole fruit in the ground. Seedlings from seed sown this spring should be ready to plant out next autumn, or to establish in plant trays for planting in tho spring. K.G., Mount Eden.—Ths two varieties of ericas are:—l. Wilmoreana, pink and white; a most prolific bloomer, every stem and twig being a mass of flowers. 2. Hentyana, a delicate shade of pink-shaded white. It is a very favourite variety. Ericas succeed admirably in the light volcanic soils, provided the roots are not interfered with. They should be planted in a separate bed or border. No manure is necessary unless it is thoroughly decomposed, and then only applied as a top-dressing during the summer.

G.K., Remuera.—The flower is Euphorbia jacquiniaeflora, or fulgens (shining), one of the handsomest of winter-flowering plants. It is a native of Mexico. It requires hothouse or greenhouse treatment. The flowers are bright orange-scarlet, forming long wreaths. The plants are now in full flower. The other specimen is Cunninghamia sinensis, a distinct Chirteso conifer, which attains a height of from 40ft. to 50ft« with a straight cylindrical trunk. It is unsuitable for exposed positions, but is very ornamental in sheltered localities, especially in tho young state.

Remuera.—The spikes of bloom belong to the Epucrw purpurascens, an introduced New South Wales plant that has become naturalised here, it being found growing in the scrub at Manurewa, and other places. The long spikes of flowers are much esteemed by florists for window and other decorations. Erica arborea, the common white heath, is another plant that has become naturalised over a wide area, and also the Scotch heather (Erica cinerea). which has taken possession of large areas in the Tongariro National Park. Psoralia pinnata, a South African shrub, has_ also become naturalised and self-propagating. D.A.F.—To fumigate th* house wjth burnt sulphur at the strength to be effective is far too great a risk, as the writer has seen vines practically destroyed by its use. It is true that mealy bug is a difficult pest to eradicate once it has become established in the house, though much can bo done to keep it under control. The canes should be cleaned of the rough bark by rubbing them over with a coarse cloth or brush, care being taken not to injine tho buds. Clean up and burn all debris from the floor of the house. Then paint the vines with Gishurst's compound. See that every portion of tho cane is dressed with_ the solution, as it is both an effective insecticide as well as a fungicide, and will assist to control, if not eradicate, tho spot fungus. Next thoroughly spray the whole of the house throughout with an emulsion of black leaf 40 to destroy any pests that may have secreted themselves in the crevices of the woodwork. This Bhould be applied as hot as it can conveniently be put through thft sprayer, and will do no harm, even if it falls upon the vines. Probably the most effective method of controlling .the mealy bug is by fumigating with hydro-cyanic Kan This, however, is a deadly gas and requires special care in its use, as well as the fixing up of proper vessels for its manipulation. Kepos.