STRAWBERRY CROPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21473, 22 April 1933, Page 8 (Supplement)

STRAWBERRY CROPS

PREPARING THE SOIL The. final breaking up and preparation of the ground for the planting out of fresh plots of plantations of strawberry plants should bo completed as soon as possible. If full advantage has been taken of Ihe dry weather for working, manuring and sweetening tho soil, it should easily bo broken down and brought into fine tilth for planting as soon as tho soil is sufficiently moistened. It is an advantage to get the plants in as soon as possible, in order that they may become as well established as possible before tho winter. Plants which barely have time to bocomo well rooted and established before winter cannot bo expected to withstand the cold severe season as well as those put in early. Tho rapidity with which tho plants break away in the spring has a lot to do with the ultimate yield of tho bed. There are two important factors, the first being tho extent of growth made before the wet weather, and tho second tho condition of tho drainago of the bed. In cases where tho soil is of a heavy retentive nature —and it is in soils of this type where much of the best fruit is produced by our local growers—a freo drainage for tho outlet of superfluous moisture is evon more importlnt, so that tho plants should bo encouraged to make as much headway as possible before being callod upon to withstand the more trying winter conditions. SELECTION OF RUNNERS In selecting' the plants it is only natural the strongest and best of tho young runners should bo chosen, Tho first and second runners, that form nearest the old plants have invariably the strongest crown and havo the beßt root system, and will produce the best results. The plants should be set about ton to twelve inches apart in tho row, tho rows being arranged from twenty inches to two feet apart, according to tho nature of the soil. Varieties, too. may vary in strongth and habits of growth, and should bo arranged accordingly. It is desirable that root development should bo encouraged as much as possible before tho winter, and for this purpose a half teaspoonful of superphosphate may be worked into each hole before the plants are put in. This fertiliser is not applied with the sulphate of potash as it is in tho immediate vicinity of the roots that the phosphate is most effective.

CARE IN SETTING PLANTS Careful planting is an important factor in strawberry culture, as the depth to which the plant is set has moro than a little influence on the success attained. The base of the crown should bo kept slightly above the surface of tho soil, for if the crown is even partly submerged the plant development is retarded. Another thing that should be watched is the amount of pressure used when the plants are being placed in tho soil. Particular attention should bo paid to this matter in tho case of clay soils, as the solid compressed soil is almost sure to hinder freo root action during the wet winter months. APPLICATION OF MANURE If stable or other animal manure has been worked into tue so' l preMarntory to planting, this will supply ample nitrogenous food, so that this element should be left out of fertilising mixtures applied. Phosphorus and potash are the two elements that will bo supplied by a mixture of sulphate of potash and superphosphate or bonedust. The bonedust will invariably be the moro lasting of the two; but it should be t<*> best material procurable! This may be used in conjunction with the sulphate in tho proportion of two parts bonedust to one of sulphate. The mixture should be applied at the rate of ljoz. per square yard and worked into the soil.

ATTENTION TO BULBS Early-planted bulbs that are above ground should have the soil around them lightly stirred to break the surface crust and kill weeds. The dry condition of tho soil for some weeks has retarded the starting of thoso recently planted. There is still ample time to plant anemones, ranunculus, narcissus and a fow others. Liliums have ripened off their flower stems, and, if necessary, may bo taken up, but they must not bo exposed, otherwise the scales that compose the bulbs will shrivel. The majority of lilies aro bettor if left in the ground and not taken up. Place labels or other marks to denote their whereabouts. EARLY POTATOES Land selected for the planting of potatoes for very enrly crops should havo special attention. For this crop the ground requires to bo deeply and well broken up in order to allow a freo outlet for surplus moisture. For very early crop it is naturally important that only situations that are little subject to sovero frosts should bo selected. Land having a north-east aspect and of sufficient elevation to catch tho early morning sun is invariably tho safest and best position for early-planted crops. Tim same remark applies to other tondor subjects that are liablo to injury by frosts. TO CORRESPONDENTS " Belli," Hunterville.—'Tlio npplo is a fine Inrgo fruit of Ballnrnt. soedlinfr, a wellknown commercial and homo use variety. C.M.. Hemuera.—For mildew on aweet pons spray the plants with floluble sulphur, one in (en. Dusting with flowers of sulphur when the foliage is wot with dew may be Sufficient. 'J'.W.M.A , Kemnera.—lf obtainable, docayed stablo or fiirinjurd manure is the boHt. fertiliser for polyanthus, otherwise itso a little blood and bono and bonemea) in equal parts. For lachcnalius uso tight application of boncmeul. " No. OncLiunga.—The lemon lcnveS are affected with a species of scale that causes tho indentions on tho uppfr surface of Ihe leaveß. It is easily treated by sprnyitig the tree with a solution of white oil, at a strength of two tnblespoonsful to the gallon of water. It will also kill the scale on the fruit. A.F., Avondiilo.—'Tho white dust expelled from small holes in stems of Brakea Maligna is caused by borer drubs. Treatment is difficult,. In dealing with hedge plants, inserting kerosene or sulphur is recommended. Haken is also subject to scale insects that (live the loaves a Booty appearance. Hakca is nn unsatisfactory plant for hedges. Spraying with sodium chlorate would kill sorrel where the ground is unoccupied. A henvv dressing of newly-slaked stono lirno is also recommended. " Inquirer," Ncafea.—Hegnrding roses. Lemon Pillar, Paul's Scarlet Climber. Aid's Hover arid Climbing Irish Fireflnine could be pruned fairly hard hack and kept a few feet high and flower as bush plants. The long shoots would require to be occasionally cut back. American Pillar and other extra strong growers could not »be treated similarly. He your soil being composed of pent, on clay cracks badly in tho summer: To fill in the apertures, use a sharp spado to work in a little of tho earth 011 each side of the crucks and fill in with loose earth to make a level surface To dccompoßo the peat, apply quicklime freely. To produce a close, impervious screen to shut out a paddock from tho garden, Bnmbnsri a urea be ideal. It d r-i not sucker, is very hardv and requires but little pruning, and is Liermanenl. In. ordering aco that you get the true ! variety in clumps. 1 Kepos.