Shelter and Shade

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22949, 29 January 1938, Page 10 (Supplement)

Shelter and Shade

])rv air has the power of gathering moisture bv absorbing that . which finds its way through the respirator organs distributed over the surface ol leaves of plants. ]f the atmosphere surrounding a plant is still and moist, nbsorbent power slackens alter it luim taken up a certain amount and exhaustion of the plant is consequently iclioved. Wind drives away that moistened air, and its place is taken by fresh air which has been dried during its Ivirl'ied movement. This will mean a renewal or continuation of the process. ll' such a strain on the plant is prolonged, serious damage "<s inevitable. The condition may, however, be counteracted bv erecting a temporary shelter in such a way that u recess ie formed in which the atmosphere will remain still, even when a rough wind is blowing. Such protection, supplemented'bv tlie use of a clear water spray every evening during dry weather, will prove a great aid in the establishment 01 newlv-planted subjects. In a similar manner newly-planted lettuce, cabbage or other plants need protection. In their case shade trom 6un as well as shelter from wind is required. Ibis may be necessary for only a few days, so use may be made of leafy brushwood. This is pressed into the ground to form u canopy over the phmts 011 the sunny and windy sid<» lhe advantage of brushwood over fabric. lies in the fact that it is a screen lather than a shade.