THINNING OUT VEGETABLES

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 288, 25 February 1928, Page 26

THINNING OUT VEGETABLES

IMPORTANT WORK Next in importance to hoeing, as an attention to growing crops is thinning. Correct thinning is the basis of all : successful gardening, but in no direc- | tion is it more beneficial than on the vegetable plot. All those giant carrots and enormous savoys, and exceptionally long beans, are largely the result of thorough thinning out of the seedling plants so that they stand as individuals, rather than as groups, with abundant space to develop to their fullest extent. In some cases thinning is a gradual process. Carrots, for instance, should be thinned not one but three times so that the smaller roots may gradually be used in the kitchen. In other cases, with parsnips for instance, thinning is best done to the fullest distance almost at once, this being the practice with all plants whose development is slow With such it is useless to leave superfluous plants between the others, for they will not attain a usable size and therefore are better out of the way. With nearly all vegetables, the thinnings, if carefully removed, may be transplanted and used to fill blanks in the row’ or to form further beds. When the seedlings are to be transplanted, it is better to do the thinning late in the day, because then the plants will have a night in which to recover from their move before the hot sun pours down upon therji again. Rows of seedlings that are to be thinned should be thoroughly watered a few hours previously, so as to ensure the soil being moist right down below the lowest roots and the withdrawal of the surplus plants without damaging them or those that are to remain in.

DON’T SLAUGHTER TREES

What a huge death-roll there is among trees nowadays, and what a sorry spectacle some estates and allotments present after the slaughter. It appears to be the aim of the majority of house builders and home starters to tear every vestige of natural growth from their allotments to make room for houses, cottages and garages. It must be admitted that it is necessary to sacrifice trees that are actually in the way of building operations, but what is the reason for sweeping all away and having nothing, once the home is built, from which to derive welcome shade? It is a daily occurrence to see splendid puriri and other giant trees, that never were or would be in the way of building operations, swept aside with a word. I have actually seen a most beautiful magnolia grandiflora sacrificed because the owner thought that it spoilt his garden; if he only realised what an asset and an enhancement it was and how commonplace his grounds became with the loss he may have been less hasty with the Let me say that no garden is complete without trees. In our warm climate shade is essential, far more so than a bed of stocks or snapdragons. ,“But I can’t grow anything under that big gum tree,” is the cry. “You will never want to,’ is the correct and suitable answer. By all means keep your trees and if you cannot grow things under them just don’t worry and don’t try. Trees are worth more than pansies and poppies, and it is certain that you children will think so, too.