ARTICHOKES FOR PIGS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 684, 8 June 1929, Page 29

ARTICHOKES FOR PIGS

EASY TO CULTIVATE HINTS ON PLANTING Those pig-keepers who were wise enough to grow a crop of artichokes last year have every reason to congratulate themselves on their foresight, states an English exchange. Green crops have been practically destroyed in most places, and those who

have other stock to feed will consider any swedes or mangels that they may have too good to feed to pigs. Tons of potatoes have been lost through frost, and at the moment prices are too dear for purchasing for pig-feeding. But nothing destroys the artichoke, and no matter what the season, this very hardy vegetable may be relied upon to give an average crop. In some seasons it does so extraordinary well that, given good cultivation, it will yield up to as much as a gallon a root.

The so-called “Jerusalem” artichoke will grow on any soil, and while it responds to good treatment, a fair crop can be obtained in most seasons, even on poor ground. Once planted, it looks after itself and requires nothing more than occasional cultivation between the rows to keep down weeds. Planting should take place in the spring at the outset, but afterwards it is sufficient to throw back some of the smaller tubers when the crop is being I harvested, at any time from autumn onward until the spring. In planting, plenty of room should be given to the tubers, because their natural tendency is to spread, and it is very difficult when digging them to get all out of the soil. The rows should be at least three feet apart, and a foot apart in the rows is none too much. Artichokes may be allowed to grow on the same ground for several years in succession, and will need nothing but an occasional light dressing of manure, which may be laid between the rows and worked in, or it may be scattered broadcast and harrowed in before the tubers begin to shoot in the spring. Digging may take place as necessary—in fact, the tubers are all the better for being left in the ground until wanted, though harvesting may be a difficult matter during severe frost. Some pig-keepers allow their pigs to find the crop for themselves, and if one wishes to have the ground thoroughly cleared, this is about the only way of doing it. If penned on the crop and kept on it long enough to rout thoroughly, the pigs will find every tuber. From the feeding point of view the artichoke is said to he equal in every respect to the potato, four pounds of which are estimated to be equal to a pound of barley meal. But whereas the potato has to be cooked if its full value is to be obtained, the artichoke needs no such treatment to bring out its virtues. In any season the artichoke is of great worth to every pigkeeper who wishes to keep down his feeding costs as low as possible. For in view of its great cropping powers, its nutritive value and the ease with which it can be grown, the artichoke is certainly one of the cheapest foods obtainable, and the pig enjoys it.