THE FARM GARDEN.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 143, 9 February 1916, Page 4

THE FARM GARDEN.

(By W. ii. Taj lor, Manager Arataki Horticultural Station, in the "Journal of Agriculture.") In a former issue some remarks were made i-y the writer as to the necessity if tirm soil, it is not easy for a layman to explain the scientific principles underlying this, but the fart is recognised by experienced cutivators. The mere physical aspect, however, is easily grasped. First, as to seed sowing: In Eomc districts ilrj su lecc soil becomes vciy dry—so dry, in fact, that seed sown in it would not hnd sufficient moisture to effect germination unless some precautionary measures were taken. It the soil is lying loose; it wiil dry to a greater depth thau if tirm, provided that it is well broken; moderately firm sl;i 1 will loae less moisture by evaporation and from the effect el wind than bnee soil. Ihe le sun is obvious, (,'ultivate well, and then take L-tep3 to tirm the auiface. Small feed may fail in loose soil through the drying effects of sun or wind, through sinking too low in tha soil, or through the young rootlets being unabla to get a grip on the loosely lying particles of soil, and so being unable to find nourishment. Ihe feeding roots are extremely minute, and it is necessary that they be surrounded by fine suil in a moist state, seedlings do not take sustenance from the soil until they have developed foliage. Previous to this the young 13 fed from a store of food contained in lh; seed. In the case of small seeds the supply of food h inliaitesimally small, If the seed is toa deep in the greund this supply cf fiod will be exhausted before foliage is developed, and the seedling dies. It the surface soil were made firm previous to sowing there would be few failures—many ascribe to bad seed failures that have been due to lack of this precaution. Whan plauts have attained seme size they may still be prejudicially aiTec.tid bv loose soil, by want oE proper contact of Hie fine feeding roots with the articles of soil, and al.o by undue drying of tLe soil Irom atmospheric couses. It is advisable at this time to avoid deep cultivation—merely the surface soil should be kept loose. This being kept frequently moved will not contain any ruots, and will act as a mulch to the moisture soil below. Most of the winter vegetables are now in the giound, or shauld be. Finish planting broccoli, savoys, cabbages, and Brussels sprouts as soon as possible, in the warmer parts of the Dominion this will sometimes be delayed by lack of moisture. In those districts some success is secured by planting later than in most parts-to which the above remarks chitlly apply. During February the winter supply of i spinach should be arranged for. j How a good breadth, for the plants will stand till late in spring, and will require thinning. French beans may be sawn early 1a the month 111 all but the coldest places. Keep the crops of runner beui a closely gathered, and they will continue to bear until stopped by cold weather. If they lie on the gruund when moist weather and shorter days come they become a picy to mildew and damping of the haulm and pods. Silver beet may still be sown with advantage.

Marrows, pumpkins and all tint tube have a habit of throwing oi,t very strung runners. XhCßd should be stopped to cause lateral growths, which will bear plenty of fruit. Attend closely to the stopping and tying ot' tomato plants; left t; themselves they persistently throw out side-shoots. These are waste; they rob the soil of moisture and the fruit of strength. Ihe shoots should be suppressed U3 soon as they are formed. Blight may have been ats nt up to now, yet la moist situations it is most likely to appear as weather conditions become moister. A spraying with 4-4-10 Bordeaux aa a prceiition Would be visely given, for the blight worKs very rapidly when it appeals towards autumn, and may quickly cut cif a crop in its prime.

Turnips inav be sjwn, and onions for salading. Sufficient cultivation should be done t» maintain a loose surface between ail growing crops. A little dry helebore powder dustfd into the hearts-of young plants of any ot th; brasgica family—cabbages, etc. —alforc's a great protection against the caierpilhrs that prey on them. 1 lie heart of tlie plant is its vulnerable point. If this la savcvl the plant is enabled to outgrow the ravages ot the pest. A drcssirg ot nitrate of toda, 2cz per square yard, will, it rain supervene?, give a lilip to growth. Spray eniot s with 2-MU Bordeaux as a preventive of mildew.