APPROACH OF SPRING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 178, 30 July 1932, Page 17 (Supplement)

APPROACH OF SPRING

DIRECTIONS FOR PLANTING Although the ground is still too wot for much sowing and the planting of many varieties of vegetables, with the approach of August improved weather conditions can usually be looked for. Then the sowing and planting of crops for spring and summer use can be made. Little, however, is gained by early sow ing unless the ground is in a condition that will ensure healthy, vigorous growth. The greatest success is invariably achieved in ground that has been well manured, deeply dug, or trenched and although the same preparations arc necessary, whatever the time of sowing, they are more essential for early crops, as slugs and other pests are more numerous and destructive at this time. A delay of a week or two in sowing can often be made up by good cultivation and attention, while the more rapid the growth the better the plants will withstand the onslaughts of these pests. In raising early crops much naturally depends upon the locality where the garden is situated, so that discretion must be exercised in the time of sowing. In the northerly districts, for instance, many crops can be successfully raised many weeks before it would be safe to sow in more southerly and colder localities. First Potato Crops. For such crops as very early-planted potatoes, the frequent and heavy rains and cold state of the soil has not been conducive to healthy growth. It is in such seasons that the advantages of shallow planting is apparent. By shallow planting and keeping the plants well earthed up, free drainage is assured, and greater warmth is attained at the roots. Drawing the earth up, too, as soon as the plants appear above the ground is often a means of protecting the young, tender shoots from frosts. Where medium-sized sets have been selected and sprouted, there will not be the same risk of losses as with largest sets that require to be cut. Early Peas. Warmth and ready drainage is what most early crops require, so that the warmest and dryest part of the garden should be selected for sowing a row or two of dwarf early peas of the most prolific cropping varieties. In sowing at this season, it is always advisable to sow more thickly than for later sowing as birds and other pests are almost certain to assist in thinning the plants.