THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20976, 12 September 1931, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

The preparation and planting out o! fresh plots of rhubarb should be completed with as little delay as possible, as the plants are now starting in growth. To p/olong the season of supply plant the winter as well £s the summer varieties. Manure and prepare the ground for cucumbers, marrows and other tender crops that are being raised in pots. See that the plants are thoroughly hardened off before planting out. To encourage cabbages and cauliflowers that are at all lacking in growth give an occasional sprinkling of nitrate of soda before earthing up. Earth up potatoes as they advance in growth. A little stimulating manure sprinkled along the rows before earthing will be beneficial. As soon as the weather permits the sowing of all seasonable crops should be resumed. Charred garden refuse, sifted and mixed with flne soil, forms an excellent compost for covering seeds. Autumn sown onions for the main crop should now be planted. If the soil has been previously well worked and manured it should now be in good tilth. In planting care should be taken not to place the roots too deeply. Insert the roots only and well firm the soil around the plants. To keep up a succession of peas make further sowings as soon as the previous sowing is well above ground. Carefully watch and protect seedling crops that are Just coming through the soil. Keeping the ground well stirred between the rows assists to keep posts in check. Well-grown lettuce, onions, radishes, mustard and cress are all useful Icr salad purposes. As spon as weather permits, stirring the soil between all growing crops should bo resumed.