PLANT NOW FOR WINTER

Te Ao Hou, March 1960, Page 56

PLANT NOW FOR WINTER At this time of the year, in most localities, broad beans and onions, cabbages and winter lettuce varieties should be established. Where the soil is heavy and inclined to be wet during the winter months it is always wise to plant your lettuce, cauliflowers etc. on ridges. At this time of the year, many of the main crop varieties of spring planted vegetables will be coming to maturity. Harvest promptly and store all grade one vegetables for winter use. Be careful to handle pumpkins, potatoes, onions etc. with extreme care. When the land has been cleared of the old crops, dig immediately, and if not wanted for Autumn use, allow to fallow or sow down with a cover crop, such as lupins, red clover, oats etc, About an ounce of seed per square yard is all that is necessary to obtain a good green crop which can be dug in about August. Autumn is usually the time of the year when gardeners are keen to tidy up the home surrounds before the winter months are upon us. For instance the hedges are trimmed for the last time, and will not require further attention until the next spring. Trellis-work is given a coat of paint in company with garden gates. Where necessary this is the time to establish new lawns. Autumn plantings are usually the most successful, having winter rains and ample moisture to assist in consolidation. Now is the time when orders should be placed with local nurserymen for shrubs, roses, fruit trees, strawberry plants and the like. Therefore it is necessary to take stock of your requirements and place your order promptly, so as to eliminate disappointment later in the season.