TAUPO GARDENS

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 15, 23 April 1952, Page 3

TAUPO GARDENS

HUMUS AND COMPOST

(By

"Flora.")

One of the most important aspects -of gardening in Taupo is that much talked of subject, on humus. Indeed, this word has come into its own throughout the gardening world of the present day. And more espeecially in loealities with either very heavy- or very light soils. For as we know it is the lack of this humor that brings about poor soil conditions. Let us visit a stand of our native bush, what do we notice: In spite of the fact that nearly all our native trees are evergreens, there is a continuous falling of leaves to the forest floor. This carpet of old vegetation, as the lower layer rots away, is an ideal medium for the holding of moisture and for the providing of food for the forest grants. Centuries ago, the lands of this inland plateau were showered with many feet of pumice dust, most unfertile. As the years have passed a certain amount of vegetation has returned. As each generation of plants died, it brough back to the soil a little humus; and in this way has helped towards the building up of a layer of quite fertile soil, which we call "top-soil." This layer of top-soil unfortunately is very thin in most places in Taupo, and ' as year by year we cultivate and take our crops of flowers and vegetables from the same soil we are gradually robbing the ground of this life giving medium. So if we want our gardens to be fruitful and gay, we must do something to repia ce the goodness taken from the ground by each sueeessive crop. The answer to this is the adding of humus to ouur soil in as large a quantity as possible; as this particular ingredient is of first importance in making soils fertile, and producing conditions for active growth. More over, this organic matter acts like a selective sponge holding in its mushes available plant foods which m its absense would be quickly washed from the soil. It is claimed that it is only when plants are grown with the aid of organic manures and humus that the products are of any value as food. Therefore this organic matter is no doubt the most important ingredient to put in our soil. As we see it increases its water holding eapacity, and improves the soil standard. Our chief worry is to get enough of this product for our garden. The composting of all available waste matter is the only answer. And even then one always longs for more. One should always have a compost heap in the making, as soon as one is completed hnother should be under way. Perhaps you have been somewhat daunted by the proceqdure given in all good gardening books. Their finished product is no doubt superior to anything otherwise produced. But very good results can be ohtained by unorthodox methods, and you will be amazed how the soil structure improves after a dressing. Compost can be made with whatever animal and vegetable wastes are available. If you haven't a frame in •which to start your heap, begin the first layer in a slight depression with three sturdy sticks placed upright along each side. The raw materials should be comprised of old plants, weeds, grass, straw and leaves, etc. Mixed with animal manure in the proportion of four of wastes, to one of manure, a small amount of lime ir wood-ash to neutralize acidity and a small amount of soil for covering. The simplest form of preparation is the "sandwich method.,, Putting the material on as it becomes available. The turning of a heap certainiy accelerates decomposition. But if you find this work too heavy, just leave the heap as it was finished. A longer

time is needed for the compost to ripe'n. One factor is very important; compost must be made in contact with the earth. Compost when made is teeming with soil organisms; in fact it is living soil. It is very absorbent two inches of compost spread over the garden will absorb about an inch and a half of rain in . one fall. This is extremely important in this district where every point of rainfall should be conserved.