HORTICULTURE.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4, 20 April 1928, Page 287

HORTICULTURE.

GREEN COVER-CROPS. Most of the land devoted to horticultural crops is under continuous cultivation, and requires careful nursing if its fertility is to be maintained. In the absence of stable manure, which has been relied upon chiefly for this purpose, the modern substitute is to grow a green crop and plough it in when it matures. Where chemical manures have been used freely during the summer a further application will not be needed now, but otherwise, a moderate dressing should be applied when sowing, to stimulate the growth of the cover-crop. Hardy crops that will grow freely at this season are oats, tares, barley, horse-beans, and white mustard. A fairly heavy sowing should be made ; it will smother the weeds and prevent the leaching-out of nitrates that would otherwise take place. - - WINTER DRESSINGS OF ORGANIC MANURES. Although such supplies are scarce, what can be obtained from woolsheds, cow-yards, and fowlhouses, and even seaweed, will be of great service where the material has been properly fermented and partially decayed. It should be used freely on such crops as rhubarb and asparagus, and on land that is to be planted with early crops such as spring cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, lettuce, &c. The addition of 2 cwt. to 3 cwt. of superphosphate per acre should be made with this application.

The proper preparation of these materials is important; if they are stacked in a compact heap and given some shelter from weather they will ferment, and all weed-seeds will sprout and be destroyed. The material is thus more readily available to the plants, and much trouble from weeds is avoided.

TRENCHING? AND SUBSOILING.

After J two or three years of constant ploughing or even digging the subsoil becomes compacted and hard in most soils; for that reason each year a portion should be given a deeper cultivation, more especially that area which is to be devoted to root crops. This may be done by double ploughing, or ploughing with a subsoil attachment. On smaller sections trenching may be done by turning over the top spit and breaking : up the second, incorporating with the latter a liberal addition of organic manure or humus an addition, ■ however, which should be omitted Where root crops are to follow immediately. ■ -

HEDGES AND DRAINS.

The proper care of hedges is peculiarly neglected in this country, where they are ,so valuable as shelter. In addition to unseasonable trimming they are usually cut so lightly. that they become top-heavy and bare at the base, thus becoming weakened, inefficient, and covering much ground. The present time is suitable for trimming back most hedges. The sides should be cut hard back so that the hedge becomes narrow at the top. If the hedge is such as that above described, cut it well back on the one side fhis season, deferring the more drastic treatment on the other side for another year. This treatment admits the sunlight to the base, which will thicken up and give an improved appearance and efficiency.

We have been more concerned lately with a lack of moisture than a surplus, but the usual attention to drainage at this season should not be omitted. Early crops are always in demand, and for that a well - drained soil is indispensable. This may be secured by clearing now all culverts and open drains. Make a neat job of stacking the spoil; if it is not placed at the foot of a hedge, see that it is spread before-It dries hard and becomes an unsightly obstruction.

EARLY SPRING CROPS.

Where, to avoid rust, lettuce seedlings for early planting- are grown in frames they should be given air at all times, but during fine weather the sashes,should be removed and the plants grown as hardy as possible. . On light, warm land the winter and early spring crops are often . the main source of income. In such localities an early crop ; of peas may be obtained in some instances by sowing a dwarf early variety during the present month. Complete all planting: put fspring cabbage and cauliflower and the blanching of celery. . , . . ,-p, ~ ■

STOREROOMS AND PITS.

.bn Crops ;in storage, will require careful attention for the first month or so, chiefly to avoid heating, a danger which -threatens most where large bulks : are' stored in a-dbinparatively small space or there is lack of ■ proper ventilation. l Oi After'that period surplus '- moisture will - have dried off and the danger will be correspondingly" reduced. ' Until - then ventilate freely, especially cin - cold, dry 1 weather. mcfn : a few :• instances thete may/.be danger -ofcfreezing, but, of; coursed steps ; should be-taken to avoidethut-risk. •. mm . okLmd damn bn;; man •

-W.C. Hyde,

. / : ; -J <> , Horticulturist, Wellington.