GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 31, 13 August 1952, Page 1

GARDENS IN TAUPO

ABOUT VEGETABLES (OBy "Flora.") With the advent of August o,ur thoughts should turn ,towards> oiir veget&ble gardens. The new seasons seeds are procurable; so don't delay i n getting your supply for the coming season. What vegetables will grow in Taupo, a xew of the new comers ask! I think you will find that there are very few that don't do yfcell; and these are confined to frost tender subjects. Kumeras for instance, I fear you would have difficulty in getting them to mature here as this plant is particularly sensative to frost, and they require a vety long growing season. Of the other tender plants, tomatoes, pumpkins and beans, it i,s well worth growing these, although some years it may mean re-sowing or a frantic scramble to cover when we are threatened with one of our unseasonable frosts. The following should be planted during the next two 01* three rnonths. Artichokes (Jerusalem) — These are not greatly favoured for domestic. use, but for those who have aequired the taste, this vegetable is a useful addition to the menu, and makes a ipleasant changty For propagation, plant the tubers 15 to 18 inches apart. It is very hardy and is considerably immune from disease attacks. They keen well in the place where they have been grown, and dug as they are require d.

Asparagus — As this vegetable occupies the same piece of ground for many years, great attention should be given to its preparation. The ground must be deeply trenehed. It procurable, farmyard manure incorporated in the bottom spit; and a good shovel fuH of compost under eacih root. The addition of a handful of superphosphate and two of blood and bone to each crown would be of great benefit. Either one or two year old crowns should be bought. The top bud should not be planted to a greater depth than two inehes; and the roots spread evenly round a mound of earth, not planted in a tangled mass. No spears should be taken from the first year "3 growth. Beans: — As there is nothing nicer than beans picked from the garden, these subjects are well worth any trouble they may cause in odd coverings 011 the frosty nights. The seeds should be planted two inches deep with four to six inches between plants. Dwarf beans "The Prince" or "Sydney Wonder" mature in 8 to 9 weeks. The Climbers — Scarlet Runner or Epicure take 12 weeks; these may be grown on a netting fence or a tripod. Delay sowing till iate October or November. Beetroot — Sow the seeds i a 11 inch deep subsequently thinning the plants to stand 4 to 6 inches apart. One called "Darkest Globe," is well worth trying. Carrot— The Carrot is a useful and indispensable * vegetablees. A piece of ground, previously manured for another crop is best; as fresh stable manure causes forking of the root Superphosphate, two ounces per square yard is helpful. Dry wood-ash raked in before sowing "is beneficial. Sow sparingly to avoid

too much thinning. Lettuce — This is one of our oldest vegetables, it's usfe dating back several hundred years B.C. It was first introduced into Great Britain in 1520. The secrcc of producing crisp tender heads is quick growth. Lettuce remaining long in the soil before they reaclh maturity will be found to have tough leaves with a bitter taste. In addition to plenty of organic matter in the soil it is necessary to use s'.me quick aecing fertiliser. Blood and bone ilb. to the square ya-.d, before planting, should be applied. As the lettuce j starts to heart, weekly applications l of liquid', animal or fowi manure ! should be given. It will be quite satisfactory to transplant the earlier crops; but during the hot weather it is better to sow seed in the permanent bed, otherwise the plants tend to run straight to seed. We will continu? m our » egctable gar '.m next week.