The Garden.

Te Aroha News, Volume VII, Issue 439, 22 January 1890, Page 4

The Garden.

(By HORTIS.)

Liquid Manure.

During this period there is generally a large quantity of liquid manure, required in the different departments of the garden, and perhaps a few words on the subject to my amateur friends may be of some value. Liquid manures, as a rule, do not receive nearly so much attention in our climate as they should. Nothing will re-establish the flagging energies of a plant quicker than a liberal supply of liquid manure to the roots. This in particular applies to all kitchen garden crops, which require to be kept in a strong succulent growbh'so as to obtain them in perfection. In fact; during our dry season it would bs impossible to grow many of our summer vegetables without this artifical feeding. Many think that if plenty of manure is used while working the soil,that should be all that is required. Of course, plenty of manure is a capital thing, but if dry weather sets in it will nob be of much use till it receives sufficient moisture tc dissolve the plant food contained in it. Where soil has been heavily manured, no liquid manure should be required, only such soils should be kept in a moist state with clean water. The manure in the ground thus being kept in a moist state will dissolve sufficient plant food just as the supply is wanted by the roots of the crops, thus keeping them in a greer, succulent, growing condition. Where soil is deficient in plant food, it can easily be supplied in a liquid state. Such liquid manure to save trouble and expense should always be made up in bulk and very strong, say for instance guano is to be used ; 251 b of this should be mixed in five gallons of water. When using this mixture it should be well stirred up, then a quarter of a pint of the mixture should be mixed up in four gallons of clean water. This should be of sufficient strength to use for any garden crops. While using, great care should be taken not to allow the mixture to touch the foliage of the plants, as it will be apt to burn. Any animal droppings also will make capital liquid manure, and in many eases is safer than other artificial articles. The best way to manufacture this, is to fill a bag with either fresh cow or horse droppings, then place the bagful in a barrel of wat>rr. In twenty-four hours this should be ready for use. The liquid should be drawn from the barrel as it is wanted for use. Whenever the barrel gets nearly empty take out the bag containing the sediment and use for mulching. Then replenish the bag and place in the barrel again and fill up with water so as to keep up the supply. Liquid manure made from cow droppings is the best for light dry soil, and horse manure for heavy cold soils.