THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21136, 19 March 1932, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN.

In preparing the ground lor sowing later crops, If the soil is at all ol a stiff nature, raised beds for such crops as carrots, lettuce, onions, spinach and similar crops will be an advantage. Before sowing or planting any crops, see that the soil is placed in the best possible condition to ensure healthy, vigorous growth. All green vegetable crops put in now should be well supplied with manure and the ground deeply worked, so as to allow of free drainage and aeration. Early planted leeks should be earthed up as they advance in growth, drawing up the soil till the height required for bleaching is attained. It Is surprising how long runner beans will continue to give goods crops if kept closely picked and kept well supplied with food and moisture. The dwarf varieties, too, should be similarly treated. Most rock melons will by this time have developed and ripened their crops. Water melons, however, are usually later in ripening. With these, doubts olten exist as to when they are sufficiently ripened. This is easily ascertained by tapping the fruits fairly hard with the hand, for if ripe" the fruits will produce a hollow cracked sound, Sowings can still be made of carrots, turnips, parsnips, turnip-rooted beets, lettuce, spinach, onions, parsley and other herbs. Weed and thin previously sown crops, and keep the soil between the rows well stirred. Later sown crops that are just showing above the soil should have occasional dustings with lime. Rhubarb of the winter variety, should have the soil well broken up, and be given a liberal quantity of manure.