GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 55, 4 February 1953, Page 7

GARDENS IN TAUPO

PREPARING FOR WINTER

(Bv

Flora)

In our enthusism over harvesting and eating our summer vegetables, we must not overlook the fact that it is now we nrenare for the winter months. Already our carrots, parsnips and onion crops should be well on the way. Keep these crops clear of weeds; and the hoe moving, especially after the showers we have just had. These showers, by the way jhave done a great deal of good after the hot dry weather of the last few weeks. | If you have not grown any of the follawing from seed, do make an effort to procure seedlings for immediate planting out into their permanent beds. Where you have previously grown peas, beans or potatoes is ideal. Try to avoid planting where you have just harvested members of the cabbage family. Broccoli. So intermingled have the cauliflower and broccoli become, tbat it is almost impossible today for one to say where the cauliflower ends and' the broccoli begins. In the old times the broccoli was not so fine in texture or quality, but jnot so today particularly since the introduction of

the French varieties. But broccoli is looked upon as being hardier than cauliflower and will stand severe frosts. This vegetable requires a rich well-manured plot, and should not receive a check from seed-sowing to harvesting, or it will fail to head. Cabbage. This is a much easier plant to cope with, any reasonable soil will produce quite a fair crop. Place the seedlings 18 inches apart in the rows; earth up sls growth proceeds, and if possihle give plenty of water during dry weather. Caterpillars or folue aphids should be watched for, and the plants dusted or sprayed with derris when an attack threatens. Brussels Sprouts.

These are great favourites; they grow taller than (cabbage. They should be grown early as they need j a long season of growth. Place widely apart as they need plenty of room to develop. They prefer firm ground, indeed. This firmness cannot be over emjphasised, some growers in fact put sprouts out into land in which it is difficult to make fholes for planting. Here in Taupo this firmness would be hard to get; but we can avoid deep digging prior to planting out; by usirg a piece of ground well-manured for a previous crop. It would be difficult to advise too heavy a dressing of well rotted manuxe as Brussels Sprouts are always hungry. The leaves of the Sprout plants should never be removed until they are turning yellow. Scotch Kale. No other green vegetable will stand such severe frosts than this one; therefore it is ideal for growing in Taupo. And once the frosts have touched it a few times it greatly improves in texture and flavour. [This list wi.ll be continued next week. ]