THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 192, 15 August 1931, Page 19 (Supplement)

THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

One of the first operations, as soon as weather permits, should be weeding and loosening up the soil between all growing crops. If early planted potatoes are lacking in growth give a good sprinkling of superphosphate along the rows before earthing. Superphosphate applied to winter rhubarb will prolong its season of usefulness. Attend to the weeding of autumn sown onions. The ground for transplanting the main crops should be manured and prepared in readiness for transplanting. Forking or digging should not be done while the soil is in a wet, sodden condition. Always allow a few fine days to elapse before treading upon the soil. Sowing or planting irrespective of the condition or suitability of the soil leads to many failures and disappointments. With spring crops, especially, the condition of the soil is an all-important factor to the success attained. Any ground that has been sown down in green crop should be well turned under to give time to rot in readiness for other crops. Success in vegetable culture is attained only in proportion to the extent to which the roots are supplied with the necessary food to sustain healthy growth. Parsley sage, thyme, marjoram and other herbs that are easily raised from seed should be sown, or if old plants are on hand they should be divided and transplanted.