WINTER DIGGING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3871, 22 May 1928, Page 11

WINTER DIGGING.

Some gardeners make a practice of turning oyer their soil at least four times during th» winter. They say it helps in seyeral ways, Jj’or one thing the, insects are- brought' to the surface and eaten by birds. For another, the rough diggings allow the frost to penetrate, thus breaking up the large lumps, so that a,t. seed-sowing time it is easy to manipulate. Actually, turning oyer' the sod does more than this. . The fyesh air helps the development in the soil of those bacteria which are, most helpful to the gardener. The ’ soil; therefore, becotnes richer the more it is worked during the winter months. But it should not be forgotten that because the air is so beneficial to the soil, the top layer is always the most fertile. Therefore, as you dig, make sure that the top soil remains on the surface.-. Break up the subsoil to improve the drainage, but leave it where fit is. And, of course, bury all organic matter you can so that it will decay and form manure in the soil. In this way you will be making certain of success in your 1928 vegetable garden. Gardeners do not always realise how helpful birds can be in ridding the soil of pests. As soon as the cjpps are harvested, the wise gardener will dig his ground, leaving the surface as rough as possible. ' If he can get this done before the hibernating insects have sought shelter at a great depth, a large number of them will be brought to the surface, and will fall a prey, to the birds. The more the surface' spit of soil is turned over during the winter months, the cieaner it will be next spring. Those pests which do not get eaten by birds will probably succumb to frosts as the weather gets colder. One other point in connection with pests should be noted. Weeds are attacked just as frequently as are garden plants, and if weeds are allowed to remain in the ground, they may be feeding and encouraging the pests. Even during the winter months, therefore, weeds should be kept in check. Either bury them very deeply, or put them into a compost pit with lime, where they will gradually decay into good garden manure. —The Garden.