LONG KEEPERS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 99, 2 September 1942, Page 5

LONG KEEPERS

INSTEAD OF POTATOES

VEGETABLES TO PLANT

In view of the shortage of seed potatoes this season, gardeners are advised to plant other long-keeping vegetables such as onions, pumpkins, swedes, carrots, parsnips and kumeras. These are not suggested l as substitutes Jor potatoes, as no real substitute has so far been found, but they are all nutritious and because of their keeping qualities they will provide food for a much longer period than short-lived crops such as cabbage and cauliflower. A seed merchant said the success of kumeras depends mainly on a hot summer, particularly during February and March. It is not necessary to have sandy soil although sand mixed with the top soil will help to prevent the runners from rooting.

Kumeras grow best in heavy soil and so in this district it is advisable to make the bottom of the trenoii very firm by treading it down Avell. This keeps the roots from running out at great length and becoming spindly. During the growing season the runners above the ground must be constantly lifted to prevent them from rooting. The crop must be gathered before the first frost, otherwise the roots will rot Avhen they are stored. The kumera, which is a species of convolvulus, is not a true native of .New Zealand, but was introduced by the Maoris. Tradition says that certain voyagers left Whakatane for Polynesia about 1300 for the express purpose of bringing over a supply of kumeras for planting. It was carefully cultivated by the Miaoris and, was one of. their staple articles of native diet.

The fabled first planting place of the kuraara from the Matatua canoe is still pointed out in Mr A. 01.O 1 . Stewart's property at the Pah.