Kitchen Garden.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 18 February 1892, Page 2

Kitchen Garden.

At this season of the year there are generally complaints ot the Vegetable Marrows failing to set their fruits. These instances occur where the Marrows are growing on little better than heaps of raw manure. The plants certainly grow freely : indeed far too freely ; consequently the growth made is very unfruitful. Where the plants are growing on exposed sites, even if the material is of a sounder texture than that stated above, Marrows often fail to set for the want of sufficient moisture at the roots, and manure water in many cases would be of great assistance. Large fruits, by being allowed to remain on the plants, also often prevent others forming; so these should be cut off before they become too large, and thus enable others to form in quick succession. Marrows to be of good quality can hardly be cut too. small, and it certainly is false economy to allow them to remain on the plant. If a soaking of liquid manure be applied at weekly intervals to the rows of runner Beans, it will tend largely to the blooms setting freely, as the want of moisture will prevent this more than any other cause. Take care, however, that a watering with clear water is first applied this preparing tbe roots for the liquid which will follow. By neglecting watering on light soils the plants quickly give over bearing, and if the precaution was not taken of sowing for succession, it makes it all the more desirable that feeding be followed up. All pods must be kept closely picked off, as the formation of the seeds in the older pods prevent younger ones from following in quick succession,. If any are required for seed, set apart a portion for this end. Rows growing without stakes must have attention in stopping. By attention to the foregoing details good produce may be gathered nntil frost intervenes. It should not be forgotten that a surplus of pods may be salted down in earthernware jars, and thus assist the winter supply of vegetables. Sow the various kinds of Cabbage in seed beds, in which the soil should be forked over and made fine and lined out so as to leave alleys of 2ft in width. The ground should be moist when the sowing is made.— Exchange.