THE GARDEN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4375, 8 February 1922, Page 3

THE GARDEN.

VEGETABLE CULTURE. (By W. H. Taylor, Horticulturist, «.n the Journal of Agriculture.) The most pressing work at the present time is to finish the planting of leeks, cabbages, savoys, broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts required for use during winter and early spring.. Autumn Giant cauliflowers should have been planted several weeks ago, but if good plants are available they may still be planted with a good chance of success if this is done without further delay. Brussels sprouts should be well established by this time; late planting does not answer. Leeks planted now will not equal those planted a month ago, as this plant requires a long period of growth. Sow garden swedes iot winter use. A small breadth of whits turnip can also be sown ; the middle of March is the time to sow these for winter use. Make a last sowing of French beans. Sow and plant lettuce. Spinach.—This is one of the most useful winter vegetables and one i» ; the most productive. In the cooler parts of the Dominion sow at once; the mjfidle of February is early enough in the ’middle districts; and a month later serves in Hawke’s Bay and Auckland. Sow in good , soil in rows lOin to 15in apart, and thin the plants to 91n or JOln apart. For market garden purposes they should not be thinned, as the whole plants are drawn and made up in bundles. In private gardens the large leaves are taken, the plants being left to produce more, leaves. Silver Beet.—Sow at once in rows 15in apart and thin plants to 12in. There are a number of varieties, of tnis plant. One with green leaves of moderate growth is known as. "peri petua! spinach”; another is known as “seakale beet,” this because of the large’ white leaf stalks, which are common to many varieties. Swiss chard has large smooth, leaves anl broad white stalks. Lucullus has crinkled leaves of pale green and large white leaf stalks. The latter is the best garden variety, as it makes a large plant and is useful also for poultry feed.