MUSTARD AND CRESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 110, 30 July 1927, Page 26

MUSTARD AND CRESS

§The garden cress (Lepidium Sativum) is a native of Persia and has been cultivated in Britain since 1548. Cress is largely used in conjunction with mustard for salads. The seed can be sown from now on until late summer in drills about 4in wide and as long as desired. The grounds should be raked quite level and the soil worked as fine as possible. Sowings should be made in succession every fortnight to maintain fresh supplies. In cold winter weather cress should be sown in the warmest spot available, but as the season advances and the sun’s rays become stronger, a cool shaded spot will be most suitable. Mustard and cress are generally used together. To obtain both crops simultaneously, the cress should be sown four (4) days before the mustard.

The garden mustard (Sinapis Alba) is a hardy annual and a native of Europe and Britain, where it is found growing in fields and waste places. It is easily raised from seed which is very quick and strong in germination. The sowings may commence now and be continued the same as cress. The soil requires to be rich and the ground raked level. Sow the seed in 4in wide drills covering the seed lightly and pat the soil flat with the back of the spado to smooth out any roughness and so make it easier when cutting. Continual sowings as given with cress should take place.

The above shows how attractive a flower bed can be made to look when laid out and planted with the right kind of flowering annuals. This photo was taken recently in Albert Park. GEUM Geum is a hardy perennial particularly adapted for the perennial border, and is not in evidence as much as it should be in the suburban garden plot. It is quite hardy, a strong grower and profuse flowerer. Besides contributing to the brightness of the summer border they are most useful as cut flowers. Almost any garden soil will grow geum. Although most positions suit, a sunny aspect is to be recommended. Seed may be sown now in boxes, and transplanted when the youngsters are big enough to handle. If the sowings be delayed, the plants will not flower the first season. The

two varieties are Mrs. Bradshaw (double scarlet) and Lady Stratheden (rich golden yellow). Prepare a seed bed or box and procure a packet of each variety without delay.