The Garden

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23083, 23 December 1944, Page 2

The Garden

Work For The Week

Shallots should be lifted as soon as ripening becomes apparent by the discoloration of the foliage, because a thorough drenching by heavy rain might cause the production of young roots. There is an old saying that shallots should be planted near the shortest day and lifted near the longest. Spread out the bulbs in rows in a dry sunny shed where they may be thoroughly dried before storing. Earth up kidney and runner beans, peas, cabbages, cauliflowers and potatoes. Thin out main crop carrots and beet. Sow lettuce and other salads from time to time and keep up a succession of spinach. The side shoots of tomato plants are best removed when quite small, as they take up energy that may be better directed to the production of fruit. The plants should be given a periodical examination to make sure that the stems do not get strangled by ties which have become too tight. The ground around the plants should be kept free from weeds, but care must be taken not to disturb the feeding roots that are generally quite near the surface.

As soon as the strawberry crop has been gathered the protecting nets should be removed to allow the birds to dispose of any insects that have been safe from disturbance. The ground should then be forked and given a dressing of some complete fertiliser such as blood and bone.

Although very difficult this year on account of the cold and wet season, weed control is essential for the production of first-class vegetables. Not only do weeds spoil the appearance of the garden, but they rob the crops and harbour all manner of pests and diseases which soon spread to the cultivated plants of the same family. Frequent and systematic hoeing will keep down weeds and improve the tilth of the soil.

The yellow fleshed turnips are better for autumn sowing than are the white sorts. Turnips are best for the table if used when quite small and so occasional sowings are better than one main effort. A light dusting of superphosphate along the rows before sowing helps the crop.