Vegetable Garden:

Te Ao Hou, September 1955, Page 44

Vegetable Garden: Salad vegetables comprise a large proportion of those grown in gardens during the summer months. It is essential that these vegetables are matured quickly especially lettuce, if crispness and flavour is to be retained. There are many varieties of these and some of the most popular are: Great Lakes which take about 90 days to mature—Imperial 847 and Webbs Wonderful can also be recommended. Lettuce grows on a wide range of soils but a friable loam, rich in humus is best for this type of crop. Adequate supplies of water are particularly necessary. Blood and bone at about ½ lb. per square yard worked well into the soil a little time before planting should give good results. Sowings of radish can be made as soon as soil conditions become warm. Radishes grow quickly, therefore short rows should be sown at from 2–3 weekly intervals. Where tomatoes can be grown satisfactorily cucumbers can usually be grown successfully. Seed should be sown about 1 inch deep allowing 3–4 feet between the sets. Do not sow till all dangers of frost are over. Beetroot can also be sown. Sow very thinly and be sure that they are used before they become too large and fibrous. Supports for runner beans and tomatoes should be placed in position before plants become established owing to the possibility of injury to the rooting system if delayed too long. Onion crops will now be developing bulbs and should be weeded and lightly cultivated with a push hoe. Continue sowings of pumpkin, squash and marrow. In southern districts plantings of cabbage may be made. Golden Acre and Henderson Succession should prove successful. Melons will not thrive in wet soils or under cold weather conditions. Therefore unless conditions are suitable it is rarely worth the time or trouble involved.