GARDENING NOTES

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVII, Issue 68, 22 February 1939, Page 4

GARDENING NOTES

THE WORK OF THE WEEK. VEGETABLES. Tomatoes are slow in ripening this season. To assist the process remove parts of the lower leaves where they are shading the fruit. It is also particularly important to remove lateral growths, as these make dense foliage which keeps the sun from the fruit. Seeds of spring cabbage may be sown for planting out later. Sow lettuces in rows where they are to grow, thinning the young plants to 10 inches apart. A small patch of onions may be sown for use as salads. Sow moderately thinly. The plants will not require thinning as they are not intended to bulb. Stump-rooted carrots may be sown, also silver beet and turnips. Water all seed-beds sufficiently to keep them moist. It may be wise to shade them during the middle of the day in hot weather. Prepare the ground for small fruits. After trenching, the soil requires several weeks to consolidate. Planting should not be done till the dug soil lias settled down. Keep peas and beans regularly picked and water the plants should the ground be very dry. Dig over any vacant plots and sow down in blue lupin or other green crop for digging under the humus.