GREEN MANURE

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 120, 17 November 1932, Page 19

GREEN MANURE

REPLENISHING HUMUS

In the past, before motors ousted thei horse, gardeners depended upon stable manure to replenish the humus in the soil. Now that stable manure is unprocurable, or practically so, some other method,of supplying tho humus

must be found, as it is impossible to grow good crops in soil deficient in humus. Artificial manures, judiciously used, will supply all that Is necessary for plant life, provided there is plenty of humus in the soil to prevent the chemicals from being washed away. Besides holding tho chemicals necessary for plants humus also helps to retain the moisture in the soil and keeps it open and porous, thus allowing a free circulation of air, without which the soil bacteria cannot thrive. The simplest and best method of replenish-ing-the humus is to sow crops of some quick-growing plants ana to dig them w when a good growth has been reached. Blue lupin, field peas, vetches, rape, or oats are suitable for this purpose. All waste vegetable matter, provided it is free.from disease, may also be utilised by burying. Avoid buryin" seeding weeds or perennials, such as sorrel, docks, couch grass, etc. These should be burnt. ■ . .

In the flower garden it is not practicable to grow and dig in green crops, and for such purposes where space is better to use the contents of the compost heap made from the weeds and rubbish accumulated (Turin? the year. This, can readily be due in among the permanent plants before bedding commences iii the sprint Before,sowing the crop for digging- iv it rs^well to give tho grouff 7£j. ing of superphosphate, which is quick acting, as a luxuriant growth is reqUl?e(i "} as short a time as possible: