THE GARDEN

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 39, 15 January 1946, Page 6

THE GARDEN

MATURING ONION CROP To permit the onion crop to become fully deA'elopcxl and matured Avatering should cease after the end of January. Good keeping quality in onions can be produced only Avhen they are properly ripened. Continuation of Avatering after January Avill induce the bulbs, to keep growing, Avhich AA'ill lead to a condition unfavourable for long storage. Tomato Ripening

January is a trying month for tomato plants being grown outside. ToAvards. the end of the month A\ 7ellgroAvn plants should ha\ 7 e attained a height of at least 3ft with the third truss of fruit set. As the bottom truss is invariably the most a7alliable providing, as it .does, the hrst of the home-grown crop, close attention to the Avell-being of the plant is necessary. LeaA r es under the bottom fruilt may be carefully removed with a sharp knife to permit better air circulation round the base of the plant and allow of easier cultivation of the soil.

If any of the fruits on the bottom truss show indication of premature colouring the3 r should be examined for affection with blossom-end rot Which does not occur through the plant being attacked by any species of fungi or bacteria, but is stated to be due to exceptionally dry conditions folloAving heavy rain. The plants should be kept avcll sprayed Avith Bordeaux mixture, as, during periods of high humidity, this constitutes. . their best protection against infection by late blight. Surplus growths must also be removed as soon as the shoots appear in the. leaf axil.

Keeping the plant closely tied to the stake is very important when heavy fruit is deA r eloping. IT the vine is permitted to hang loosely, the weight of fruit may cause the stem of the plant to which Avould mean stopping further development AAutli consequent loss of fruit.