VEGETABLE CROPS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 126, 24 November 1932, Page 21

VEGETABLE CROPS

FOR REGULAR SUPPLY

Where proper steps have been taken to put the soil into good order beforeplanting or sowing there should be no difficulty in keeping up a supply of vegetables throughout the season. The success, however, of any crop depends very largely upon the attention given during the growing season. Early at-, tention to thinning and keeping the seedling crops free from weeds so that, they do not become drawn is a matter which is of paramount importance. ■If the weeds are allowed to choke the plants they cannot do themselves justice, while it must be evident to all -that weeds rob the plants of their food supply and moisture.

The importance of frequent cultivation of the soil surrounding growing crops cannot be- too much emphasised. Keeping the surface always loosened up allows the sun's rays and air to penetrate, keeping 'the soil sweet and encouraging the well-being of soil bacteria, upon the activities of which the health of the plants depends. Soil which is frequently hoed over will also retain moisture better than that which

A simple support for carnations or other low-growing plants. .It is made of ordinary fencing wire, cut any length required. A foot of the wire is left straight for pushing into the ground, and the rest is twisted round a, piece of round wood or iron pipe to form the spiral.

is allowed to become caked on the surface. . .

The early staking' of tall-growing crops is also of importance. Peas and beans, • even those which are in - the dwarf class, will do better and give better Tesults if supplied with supports. As the weather gets warmer and drier watering will become necessary, and when this has to be done it should be done thoroughly. It is far better to give a part of the garden a thorough soaking once a week than to give the whole of it a sprinkling every day. Watering which merely moistens the surface does harm in that it attracts the roots of the plants toward the surface, where they get burnt by the sun as soon as the water dries off.

Now that the ground has got thoroughly- warmed up, all tender plants may be put out with confidence. There is Teally nothing gained by planting such things as pumpkins; kuniera9, or tomatoes too soon, as any cold snap gives them a severe check if it does not kill them'outright. Well-hardened plants of all these tender subjects a3-c available at the various plant dealers, and if well watered in and shaded for a few days after planting they will grow aivny with very little p.he'ck at the present time. Dwarf. beans'"of various kinds are among tW tender vegetables.. Sown now. they will be very, little, if any, behind those sown earlier. ■■Peas- ate. only,at their, best.when pick-" .ed young, consequently it is always 'bettor to/sow in small quantities—or in quantities.,..-:sufficient..;'..to^.. supply.-.; the needs.of the household—at frequent intervals,. As sßoon, as' one-, lot appears through' the; soil another sowing'ihould' .be'niatle; The,-sanie applies-to', all' salad crops—lettuce and radish, etc...:''./. ■•.. -All green.; crops respond readily 't<v application of nitrate of soda fjiVeri when-the ground is wet after rain or niter w-atpring. Weak: doses are, best, about' 2oz to the gallon, as this: will bo absorbed by the plants without/waste.