Garden Notes OCTOBER ACTIVITIES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 6, 2 October 1943, Page 6

Garden Notes OCTOBER ACTIVITIES

Making Up For Lost Time VEGETABLES TO SOW AND PLANT (By “The Hoe.”)

Throughout the greater part of "Lhe Dominion’s” circulation area, the weather has been so wet during the past three months that it lias not been possible to do much in the garden. The soil is now warming up and the germination of most seeds proceeds very rapidly. It is therefore necessary to commence sowing immediately soil conditions permit. Continued wet weather has a tendency to consolidate most soils — consolidated soils exclude air and therefore become sour. Immediately the soil becomes dry enough to work it must be aerated, that is. it must be broken up to permit the passage of air between the'soil particles. And even if you limed your vegetable plots in autumn they will benefit from a further light application of lime now, as tlie heavy rains will have leached much of it from the soil. But such second “limings” should not exceed 2oz. per sq. Jl *Once the soil has been worked to a nice friable condition, the sowing of seed can be speeded up. The following should be given early attention : Peas: This essential crop should be sown at intervals of two or three weeks until the end of the year.. Sow a short row at frequent intervals, instead of several rows at once, and have a succession of tender pods. Carrots: Scientists are finding more and more virtues in this popular plant which should be grown in every kitchen garden. Although carrots require a soil rich in organic matter, they cannot be grown successfully in the presence of fresh manures. ■- For" that reason, a plot that was well manured for a previous crop is generally recommended. Sow an intermediate variety now. Lettuce: Sow seed and. transplant earlier sown seedlings. A pinch of seed sown every two or three weeks will provide young plants for transplanting throughout spring and summer Lettuce requires R rich soil that has been veil limed. After the plants have become well established, the speedy development of succulent leafage can be stimulated by weekly applications of weak liquid manure. .

Potatoes: Main crop varieties can now be sown in all districts. A fairly rich soil but” very little lime foifbest results. Cabbage Family: Cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels Sprouts can now be-planted out. All require a well-limed soil.. M lieu planting, make sure that the soil is made really firm round the trunk of each plant.