VEGETABLE GARDEN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21210, 3 December 1938, Page 17

VEGETABLE GARDEN

PESTS AND DISEASES The best protection for plants from ills to which they are heir is a suitable environment and generous, skilful treatment; little else is usually required to return an abundant crop. Such conditions secure a strong plant of true type which will resist disease and outgrow the attack of insects. Occasionally, however, under these conditions troubles arise, and under less advantageous circumstances they are sometimes serious, so that a gardener is wise to have a few remedies at hand in case of need. Quiet observation occasionally will detect that need as soon as it arises—will, indeed, often anticipate it and ward off loss and disappointment. Caterpillars of kinds—especially that known as the “leaf-roller” —do a great deal of damage to foliage and fruit. Foliage thus spoiled cannot fulfil its function, and the plant is checked in its growth. Should this trouble appear during a dry spell the consequences will be serious unless a remedy is applied. We have a great advantage over the last generation of growers in having such a sure remedy as arsenate of lead for this purpose. Two ounces of this paste (or loz. of in powder form) gradually worked into a thin cream

and then mixed with 4 gallons of water and sprayed on the plants is certain defeat for such enemies.

Most plants have a special variety of lice <aphids) which only require favourable conditions In the way of weather or a weakened plant to demonstrate their wonderful fecundity, and by feeding on the juices of the plant, which they suck up, stop its growth. In a dry season cabbage and broccoli plants are specially susceptible. The insects will be found on the backs of the leaves where the elaborated sap can be reached, and the choicest varieties receive their special attention. Before putting out plants they should be carefully examined, and, if necessary, first dipped in a suitable wash. Many proprietary washes are sold for this purpose. One of the most popular is a nicotine concentrate, 3 teaspoonfuls of which in 4 gallons of water will effectually cleanse the plants. Two ounces of common soap dissolved in the water first makes a more effective mixture. This wash forms an efficient spray for insects of this class on any kind of plant during the growing-period. Another set of conditions readily cause certain fungus troubles to become epidemic at this season of the year, and the wary grower is on his guard against onion-mildew, potato late blight, and leaf-spot of kinds in raspberry, currant, gooseberry, and strawberry gardens, which may, gradually or suddenly, cause wholesale losses. Such growers should have supplies of bluestone and lime, also lime-sulphur concentrate, at hand, and deal with the difficulty as it arises. The best protection, however, is that first mentioned, and sprays cannot be entirely satisfactory without them.