THE HOME GARDEN by R. FALCONER HORTICULTURIST, DEPARTMENT OF MAORI AFFAIRS, TAURANGA

WATCH SOIL FERTILITY If the gardener expects to achieve success, and secure the best result from his efforts he will be well advised to replace the fertility of his garden, either by the addition of organic fertilisers or the digging in of compost or cover crops such as Lupins, Clover or similar vegetable matter. This is definitely necessary if success is to be achieved, in this very interesting and healthy recreation of gardening. First of all good seed is esential, if one is to expect the best for his efforts, in vegetable growing. All the work in the world will not give result if poor seed is sown, even if one gives closest attention to all other factors. A rich sandy loam, is well adapted to vegetable production, various other soils are suitable also, while stiff clays require plenty of humus for the purpose of assisting to break up the solid particles, and to assist in retaining moisture during dry spells. Sandy soils which are light in nature also require ample quantities of humus for the purpose of building up fertility and also to arrest leaching which occurs during very wet conditions. To obtain good crops the soil should be cultivated and hoed throughout the season. Use artificial manure sparingly, a little often should be the practice. Stirring the soil during the season, kills weeds, loosens the soil and this encourages root development, allows aeration of the soil and assists to conserve moisture by capillary attraction. The purpose of applying fertilizers to the soil, is to return to the soil, elements which have been removed in the production of previous crops, or on the other hand to improve land which is generally referred to as being naturally poor or lacking the essential elements. Well rotted stable manure is always beneficial and will build up soil fertility if ample quantities are easily obtainable. With artificial manure it is always helpful to remember that Nitrogen promotes growth, Phosphate gives fruitfullness while Potash gives resistance to disease, toughens the growth, and promotes quality and gives colour. When transplanting, always take care to avoid injury to the young roots when taking up the plants. Always plant as soon as possible after lifting, as air and sun tend to dry the plants and may cause injury, always firmsoil so that the plant can secure a firm hold, if possible the cool of the evening is the best time to transplant seedlings.

THE HOME ORCHARD At this time of the year spraying will be the most important work in the orchard if good clean fruit is to be produced. It is often said by the commerical orchardist that he sprays his orchard once to control his pests and the second application to control infection from neighbouring areas which are not sprayed. This would not be the case if every person who planted fruit trees made an effort to control infection. It should be remembered that Fungicides are preventitives and should be applied as such. When disease of trees is established it is often too late to effect a cure, and save the ensuing crop. When spraying be sure to cover the tree or plant thoroughly as a protective covering of spray is essential.

THE HOUSE GARDEN Tender annuals should now be planted, continue to plant out Dahlias, those previously planted should be staked and tied. Sweetpeas should be at their best. Continue hoeing ground around established plants to eradicate weeds. At this time of the year violets will be nearing the conclusion of their season, lift young offsets from the parent plant and set out before the weather is too hot and dry for successful establishment. Aphids will now appear and should be controlled by an application of Nicotine Sulphate. The total of live births in the Maori population last year was 5,807, a birth rate of 43.64 a thousand population. This compares with a European birth rate of 24.85 a thousand of population. These figures have been published by the Statistics Department, which comments: “The Maori birth rate is considerably higher than the European rate, and has remained fairly constant over the past 15 years. In recent years there has been a considerable improvement in the Maori death rate, and it is now not very much higher than the European rate. The infant mortality rate, too, has fallen considerably, but it is still three times as high as that for Europeans.” At the end of last year the European population of New Zealand was 2,029,390 and the Maori population was 135,365.