THE ORCHARD

New Zealand Mail, 15 February 1900, Page 7

THE ORCHARD

SEAWEED FOR FRUIT TREES. The attention' of farmers who live near the ocean uas often been directed in these columns to the value of seaweed as a fertiliser for several crops, and some time ago analysis of some of these marine plants were published in this journal for the information of cultivators in general. From the following it would appear that seaweed can be used with, excellent effect on fruit- trees.

A writer in the-" Garden” says that those who have; riot tried seaweed in their ‘ orchards and fraitgardens would be surprised at the beneficial effect it has on the trees, especially, apples and pears, when, of course, it is. used with care and moderation. This is particularly the case during dry seasons. At Bembridge, Isle of Wight, some land was recently reclaimed from the sea, and it was converted into a flower, fruit and vegetable garden. There is a great depth of sandy soil, composed to a great extent of thoroughly decayed seaweed and sand, and the way all vegetation thrives in it is marvellous. In other places during the last two summers crops were collapsing from the want of moisture, in spite of the mulching of stable litter freely applied. For light soils and for use during a very dry season seaweed will undoubtedly prove more valuable as a midch than any other material generally used for this purpose. Apart from any manurial properties it contains, it is, like salt, moisture-hold-ing as well as feeding, the value and importance of which should not be ignored by those whose fruit- trees are growing in too porous soils and where the rainfall is light. No healthier trees or better samples of apples could be seen than those growing in the garden referred to. It is riot recommended that fresh seaweed be buried near the roots of establishd trees, or that it be incorporated witlh the soil in forming a new orchard or fruit-garden, but frequent mulchings of the surface ground, piecemeal, are a safe means of stimulating growth and sustaining the trees under the trying influence of a long drought. By this means it would gradually find its way into the lower ground and undoubtedly improve its staple.

Another instance of the value of seaweed is given. The gardens at Arundel Castle are justly celebrated for their extent and fine order in which they are kept. For many years past heavy mulchings of stable litter were annually applied to the fruit trees, but it was found that the manure formed fine harbours for woodlice, beetles, earwigs and weevils, as well as for sparrows and other birds; the fruit suffered in consequence, and the finest specimens formed the feeding ground at riight of the numerous insect depredators. It occurred to the head gardener to use for a mulch, seaweed; this was done, and now the fruit is large, bright, without a speck, and uninjured by any of the above-named pests.

Occasional dressings of seaweed to vines are also recommended. Too frequent applications of stable manure cause the soil to become sour or uncongenial to proper root action. Seaweed varies considerably, some being far too coarse and heavy for the purposes mentioned, unless it has . first had sufficient time for partial decomposition.. Preference is given to that; of a finer and lighter, character, which, when—collected, generally contains? a ‘is fair amount of sand, making it more suitable in every vfay for use in the garden, whether it be for asparagus, fruit trees, or even as a plunging material for pot plants during the summer months.