Garden Notes.

Rodney and Otamatea Times, Waitemata and Kaipara Gazette, 21 August 1912, Page 5

Garden Notes.

In the hope that some of our readers will be showing vegetable exhibits, at the various shows—we offer a few hints on the growing of specimens. Generally speaking, I fear we are content with just sending along the best we have at the time, without having given any special attention to the various crops, in order to produce the very best results ; consequently, prizes are often given to exhibits that would stand no shadow of chance in competition with those grown specially for show purposes. We trust no word will ever be written in these notes to discourage those who have ever striven to do their best to make our exhibitions successful. We are anxious only to help, and just a little attention at the right time will greatly improve the quality of their exhibits, and pay them handsomely for the trouble.

Just now, the first steps must be taken to prepare the soil. Deep cultivation is most essential, but avoid bringing the sub-soil to the surface. Almost all crops prefer a deep soil, plenty of drainage and plenty of moisture. In the case of. carrots, parsnips and beet, deep holes should be made in the prepared ground. These should be filled with fine soil and the seed sown over each hole, afterwards thinning to one plant. [We have heard of one back-blocker who duly prepared the seeds and sowed the holes, but success was not his portion because he placed the hole on top of the seed I —Ed.] Give plenty of room, and keep the seedlings moist till in the rough leaf. All successive waterings must be midway between the rows and never on the plants. A small trench made with the hoe is the best method, and either give a good soaking or none. This process carries the water well down, and the roots will grow straight and long. Watering the plants in dry weather, on or near the crowns, will encourage sprouting and misshapen roots. Cabbage, cauliflowei-, spinach, and other green crops, must be kept growing when once started and a frequent use of the hoe will help them materially. Recipes for the best liquid manure will be given afc the proper time.

Onions. Yes, we have seen the finest specimens in Rodne3 r County ; but for those intending to exhibit, let us say the best onion is not always the largest, and magst judges will prefer the clear skimred, medium size, firm bulb, with thin neck, to any others on the show table. To produce these the ground must be well worked to a fine tilth and made fairly firm, kept free from weeds and well nourished. Trenches should be n.ade now, 18 in. deep, and filled in with good soil and well rotted manure in readiness for beans and scarlet or other runners. These crops are a failure if not well cared for, but great croppers if treated as above. Other crops will be dealt with next week, and as probably some of our readers will be growingl tomatoes for market a special article dealing with the subject will appear shortly.

Old Ebony.