VEGETABLE GARDEN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20930, 8 January 1938, Page 16

VEGETABLE GARDEN

TURNIPS FOR WINTER USE Round about the longest day may be accepted as the ideal period to make the main sowing of winter turnips. It is wise to choose, if possible, a somewhat sheltered piece of ground for this important crop, because, although the turnip is tolerably hardy, it will, like most things, suffer considerably in a

severe spell. Turnips have a decided preference for a light soil, but they will not easily endure drought. Herein lies the reason for many failures. Few crops will respond more readily to assistance in dry weather, but when water is given, it must take the form of a thorough soaking. Water too frequently applied, and in such a manner as to do little beyond wet the surface soil, will result in coarse, poorly-flavoured bulbs, and rank foliage growth. Drawing the Drills It is sound wisdom in the first place to prepare drills in a manner calculated to supply some nourishment to the roots. They should be taken out 12 to 15 inches asunder, and quite three inches deep, and of similar width. Almost fill them with something to stimulate growth, such as old rotten manure and wood ashes, and then place a little fine soil over this to prevent contact between seeds and stimulant An easier method, but, perhaps, not quite so efficient, is to draw the ordinary shallow drills, and to sprinkle, with the seed, a little fertiliser. The whole object is to encourage rapid growth in order to get the seedlings over the seed-leaf stage as quickly as possible, otherwise the depredations of the turnip fly or flea beetle may wipe out the entire bed. Once the seedlings have developed rough leaves they are safe from attack. Much of the success or otherwise with turnips is dependent upon thinning as early as possible . If plants are overcrowded in the early stages they will never make really good bulbs. Therefore, they should be singled as soon as the rough leaves appear, and each plant must be apportioned ample space for its fullest development. The exact distance to allow from plant to plant will depend upon the variety, but a good average is six inches. It is sometimes useful to single out the young plants to half that distance for a commencement, and later take out

every other bulb. Although tiny, they will prove a delicious dish. It is not wise to rely upon only one sowing. The main planting may be made round about the longest day, but a last and small sowing should also be made during the first fortnight of I January, and one other between those periods. A good deal, of course, depends upon locality, but these dates may be accepted for most parts of the country. In late autumn a portion of the crop should be lifted and stored; the tops must be cut off, but not too closely—a small neck should remain. The roots may be shortened, but not entirely removed. If the roots are severed | close to the bulb, the latter will not I keep well . The bulbs may be stored I in sand, soil, or some similar material [ which will exclude the air ond keep the bulbs from frost. Those left in the ground may be lifted as required

for use, and such as remain will produce a crop of spring greens. It will, therefore, be a good plan to use the bulbs systematically, and so eventually finish up with a compact breadth of green-producing-roots. The storage of a portion of the crop is largely a precautionary measure. Ground which has been previously trenched and limed is the best for turnips, as for all brassieacae; and good cultivation is the best preventive against disease and pests Garden swedes are extremely hardy, and in many districts where turnips are not successful prove a valuable asset. Seeds should be sown now without any delay Their cultural requirements are the same as for the turnip proper, and they will thrive in any soil that is in reasonably good condition. The position should be open. If turnip fly should prove troublesome, sprinkling slaked lime or soot over the foliage while it is still wet with dew is often effectual Sufficient should be used to cover the plants thoroughly. The dustings must, of course, be applied in the morning or immediately after watering. Another old country remedy is that of placing elder leaves over the turnip beds as soon as the seeds are sown. It is not wise to sneer at this somewhat strange practice, as there may be some property in the elder which proves distasteful to the fly.

At a final caution, it is bad practice to broadcast turnip seed. Not only does this render impracticable such methods as are conductive to quick growth, and hence to the defeat of the turnip fly, but it prevents such aftercare as will ensure the good progress of the crop.