Kitchen Garden.

Manawatu Herald, 11 July 1899, Page 3

Kitchen Garden.

If the general covering to the Rhubarb plants has not yet been given, it should be done at once. A very handy clothing for the purpose will be found in the long stems of Chrysanthemums from the flower garden. Now is the best time to arrange the plan of vegetable plots ; by this means each plot can have the suitable manure placed upon it. Most crops need manure, and Some require a good deal. Some vegetables, like Peas and Leeks, are the better for a dressing of potash, or of salt, or sulphate of ammonia. All crops are benefitted by a deep digging ef the land. The majority of fruit trees and bushes which are in constant bearing require frequent, if not annual dressings of manure, either farmyard manure, which is the best, or, failing that, artificial manures. For the latter, one part of kainit and two parts of bonemeal may be used. The bonemeal supplies the phosphate, and the kainit potash. Every chance should be taken while the trees are yet dormant to clear away insect pests, iriosses, lichens, etc., from the stems and branches. As a universal cleanser which destroys insects and mosses alike, the caustic soda mixture is much advocated by the writers in the Home journals. It is cheap, easily made, and easily applied. Lime applied in any form is excellent.— Press.