VEGETABLE CROPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21118, 27 February 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

VEGETABLE CROPS.

VALUE OF RECENT RAINS. The recent bountiful rains have thoroughly moistened the ground, and have been hailed with pleasure by all tillers of the soil. After such a prolonged dry spell the soil soon becomes parched, and if at all of a stiff, retentive nature, often forms large cracks, so that it is only after a fairly heavy and prolonged downpour that the rains can thoroughly permeate and moisten such soil to a reasonable depth. Soils, on the other hand, that have previously been well broken lip. allow the rains to penetrate to its full depth, and this, together with the moist, humid conditions prevailing, results in healthy, vigorous growth. Where the sowing of seeds or planting out of crops has been deferred for the want of rain, this work should no longer be delayed. Seed sown while the soil is in its present condition can scarcely fail to.germinate quickly and make rapid growth, providing, of course, that the soil has been provided with the necessary food, as upon this the success of the crops naturally depend. Any recentlysown crops that nave received reasonable attention should now be well above ground and bo making good growth. Such crops will need careful attention to weeding, thinning, and keeping tlie soil between the rows frequently stirred. The latter, in any case, will be necessary from this time onward with all growing crops, as weeds will naturally spring up apace and soon weaken small seedling crops unless kept under control by hoeing or light digging.

PEAS AND BEANS. Every encouragement should be given to crops that will help to keep up a supply of vegetables, for from this time onward there will naturally be a fallingofT of some of the most esteemed of summer vegetables. Peas, especially, will bo becoming scarce, as anything like good crops are difficult to obtain. To grow late peas with anything like reasonable success they require to be sown in soil that has been well enriched with manure and kept well supplied with moisture. Be ans still continue to produce useful crops, though to keep up a supply of the dwarf varieties frequent sowings have been necessary. The scarlet and other runner varieties, however, continue to crop freely, the large-podded scarlet variety particularly being undoubtedly the best and most profitable bean to grow. From two small sowings of these, the second sowing being made about five or six weeks after the first, in deeplyworked, well manured ground, an ample supply of young pods are produced throughout the summer and well into the autumn, especially if the roots are kept liberally supplied with food. By giving an occasional application of liquid manure and by keeping the pods closely picked, instead of allowing them to develop their seeds, their season of usefulness can be considerably extended.

TOMATOES AND CELERY. lomatocs, even (hough carrying heavy crops, are making vigorous growth, and will need frequent attention in removing lateral growths, and in shortening back the foliage where they are shading the fruits. Spraying is necessary to protect tlie plants and fruits from disease and caterpillars. Early-planted celery should now have become well established and bo making rapid headway. Special care must be taken to keep the plants free of weeds. Weeds, if neglected, spring up and growso rapidly as to soon check the growth of the crops. Planting for later use should be made while the soil is in its present condition.

THE CABBAGE FAMILY. Every assistance should be given to established plants of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other colworts, advantage being taken of showery weather to give an occasional application of nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia along the rows of the plants, and lightly stirring the soil after applying. The strength to apply of the former is about 21b. to 31li. to each 40 square yards, and of the latter lib. to 21b., according to the size and strength of tlie plants. The more rapidly these plants are grown Ihe less subject they arc to the attacks of pests. Many of these crops, in spite of the dry spell, appear to have suffered less from this pest than in former years. Frequent hoeing and soil stirring plays an important part in 1 lie successful cultivation of the cabbage family, as few plants respond more readily to good cultivation. Any other green ciops that are lagging in growth will be benefited by being given an occasional light sprinkling of nitrate of soda, or superphosphate, the soil in every case being lightly stirred after the manure is applied.

DAHLIA EXHIBITION.

ANNUAL AUCKLAND SHOW. » The annual dahlia show under <hp, auspices of (lie Auckland Horticultural Society, to be held on Thursday and Friday next, at Scots Hall, Symonds Street, will bo the largest and most representative of its class. All classes and section's of dahlia flowers will be staged in their fullest perfection. The schedule also provides for numerous other cut flowers. Bouquets and table decorations are included. Flower lovers should not miss seeing the latest novelties in the modern and all other classes of dahlias including several local seedlings equal to the best importations.