Farm and Garden.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 428, 28 July 1904, Page 8

Farm and Garden.

ORIGINAL ARTICLES.

PLANTING AND CULTIVATING COWPEAS. SET has been jthe custom to give very m poor preparation to the soil intended SK for cowpeaj. The ease with which they may be grown is responsible for that. Nevertheless, experience has led to the conclusion that the oowpea will respond as profitably to good preparation as will corn or potatoes, aad that cultivation is profitable in proportionate its thoroughness aad frequency, usually doubling the yield of peas and giving a profitable increase of hay. Cultivation before the plant blossoms is of far greater benefit than later on. In some parts it is the practice to bow the bulk of the crop in corn, aad usually between the jrows when the corn was cultivated the last time., The practice of planting between the rows is greatly recommended The peas usually make an inappreciable reduction in the yield of corn; they increase the fertility of tbe land, and not infrequently produce a crop equal in value to that of the coin. Hogs may be marketed direct from such a field aad will be in good healthy condition and ready for slaughter. The preparation of the soil that is needed for corn or wheat ia also good for cowpeas. On account of the fertilising value of the cowpea aad its easy culture and quick growth" it is suggested that it be sown upon the poorest field upon the farm. It is inclined to produce more shelled peas on unfertile than on fertile soil, The several makes of corn planters aie the most acceptable implemeat for planting cowpeas. The rows may be two and a half to four feet, but preferably thrae feet apart, and there should be one plant about every ten inches in the drill if the crop is grown for peas. The usual custom is to so broadcast for hay, but drills are better. The cultivation of the cowpea need not differ from the approved methods of corn culture. The usual corn cultivators do effective work and may be used frequently, bub should be run shallow. In the early stages of growth the weeder or harrow may be used with good effect; after blossoms have formed cultivation is of doubtful benefit, siace it may induce greater development of vine at the expense of fruitfulnesa and make the hay more difficult to cure.

HOW TO GEOW WATERCRESS. Watercress although poorly apprecia'eJ is one of the beßfc acd most delicious salad plants, Bat not grown in the manner of the Chinese gardeners in beds as radishes or carrots, but in ruaning streams of watir. Well grown watercress requires very little care, and is in demaad in all seasons of the year. Cress requires running water free from mud, as the latter spoils its flavour. In England there are many extensive shallow running streams, with a gravelly soil, producing enormous continuous crops of delicious flavour, succulent, and in great repute; being cultivated with care they area considerable source of profit to the owners. Waggon loads are conveyed to the London markets. The cress is an aquatic plant and prefers cold running water. In swamps where there are plenty of springs but no running water it is necessary to form channels, and dram the low grounds for the cultivation of cress* Plant seeds or cuttings along the sides of the and the plants will thrive of their own accord, with no other oare. Sometimes it is necessary to back up the water, by the use of artificial dams, occasionally. In gathering the cress never break off the stems, but cut them with Bhears about five inches deep. In that way the delicate stems are not uprooted and the cress grows again. In packing the cress for market it is best to arrange them loosely and not in bunches when sent any considerable distance, as they keep,, fresh better uatil they reach their destination. Cress is in great demand at all times, and will thrive and grow in the coldest weather, if the motion of running water keeps it from freezing. In spring and early summer is the grower's chief cress harvest, although it may be grown and is in demand all through the year. Never cut cress until the heads push above the water, and then the more the tops are gathered the better. Ctesß grown in shallot? running streams of water, the bed of which is of a gravelly nature, are of a delicious flavour, very succulent, and in great repute in European cities. If those people in this state who have suitable shallow Btreams of water would cultivate cress, they would find it very profitable and confer a benefit on mankind, as the cresa now obtainable is very inferior, quite different from that properly cultivated.