GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 63, 1 April 1953, Page 3

GARDENS IN TAUPO

NEED FOR HUMUS

(By

Flora).

On .glancing back th rough these eolumns I find that one word dominates the scene, "humus." So ofteu ctoes it occur that 1 wondered if I had over-emphasised this point, the :needl for humus in our Taupo soil. But now that we are experiencing a 4ry spell I realise that this is not the ease, for so light and porous is our siatural soil that it requires an unliraited supply of moisture — holding matter incorporated in it if we are mot to have our plants literally frizzled to death. The point has trecently been demonstrated in niy own garden. Three weeks ago two tows of leeks were planted. The first row received a large bucket of compost per square yard and except for liberal watering at planting time b# moisture has been given. They are more than holding their own and have grown considerably. The second row received no compost, other than that applied for ..a previous crop, and they are gradually diminishing in size. So hungry is this soil that a good dressing of organic matter is needed for every crop grown. Gradually, I am sure, if this procedure is carried out regularly, we will procure a moistureholding medium in which plants' will revel. Loamy Soil. When reading garden books the term "loamy soil" often appears. Most people find difficulty in understanding what the word "loam" means. The following, taken from *■& text book, helps us to a clearer view: — ^Actually a loam is an ideal mixture of the three soils, clay, sand and well-rotted vegetable matter. Loams are ideal because they do not dry out quickly, owing to the clay and humus they contain; they do not >pan down hard like cement because Of the sand they contain. They are oasily worked; they are highly productive; and they support nearly al! crops satisfactorily. It should "be the aim of all gardeners to turn their soil into loam. This can be done by continuous cultivation, by the addition of organic matters, and bv efficient drainage. The ideal loam provides the roots of gr owing plants with a balance of air and water, both of which are necessary to sustain life." Sawdust Needs Nitrogen. Another point for users of sawdust 4 and I think there are quite a number in Taupo) is this, and I cannot emphasise it too strongly: do reTnember that sawdust lacks nitrogen and when it is dug into the soil tends to rob it of this vital element. Therefore be sure this autumn, when turning in your summer mulch of sawdust, to first reinforce it by the addition. of a nitrogenous manure, either in the form of dried blood and bone, sulphate of ammonia or animal manure. This nitrogen is necessary for aiding deeomposition, and as said. previously if not applied it will be taken from the soil to the detriment of the growing plants. Once deeomposition takes place sawdust becomes an efficient moisture retaining medium. It will be found that the roots of shrubs tiras treated will soon penetrate this layer, and a greatly increased root system will result, surely an added ihe Ip to the plant during dry weather. Clknbers. Since my notes on Climbers it has ■3^ ■ ■ 1 - ' ■■■ ■' 1 1 ■' — ■ -»-»■

been drawn to my attention that I failed to mention one that apparently does well in Taupo, namely Akebia quinata. It is a twining climber producing dark chocolate purple flowers in pendant racemes.