GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume 11, Issue 66, 22 April 1953, Page 2

GARDENS IN TAUPO

PLANT STRAWBERRIES NOW

(By

Flora)

btraw berries atre iound as natives in most parts of the world, but niainly in the Northern Hemisphere., Native species are common from ihe plains to the hillsicles of the cooier regions, but in the warmer zones they occur only at higher altitudes. The home grown strawberry is so vastly superior to that which is bought from a shop that it is a wonder it is not more extensively cultivated. What' is more, it does seem to do remarkabiy well in our Taupo gardens, pro* vided a iittle eare is given to prepar'ation of a suitable plot. Grown in a bed they are easier to cover, and this does seem necessary if you do not want your berries pulled from the plants by persistent birds even before they are iripe. Soil A well drained soil with a good water holding- capacity is essential to the growing of the strawberry, so t'hat our light soil, which is not sufliciently retentive of moisture in its natural state, should be built up with organic matter before planting. Planting should be cairried out immediately, so that the new plants may become established before really cold weather sets in and the ground becomes too cold for any new root formation. An open sun ny site is best. Should you be getting new plants this year see that they are unwrapped immediately on delivery. If the roots appear to be at all dry, so uk in water befoire setting out. How To Plant When planting cut back the roofs to about three inches to remove damaged portions and to make for easirer planting. Plants can be as close as 12 inches in rows, but leave sufficient room beween the rows for walking. Besides the humus that has been incorporated, the addition of a complete feriliser is necessary^ that is, one that contains the three constituents nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, or you may mix your own, three parts blood and bone, three parts superphosphate and one part potash. Should conditions be dry when you aire setting out the plants they should be watered in after they are set. Care should be taken to see that the plants are put in at the correct depth. Do not cover the crown of the plant or growth will be retarded and the crown may trot, but firm planting is essential to prevent the roots from drying out. St ra w berries in Barrels I have not seen or tiried the growing of strawberries in a barrel but it is often done in England where town sections are very small. The, followring extract may be useful to those who wish to try this novel. method: "Ohtain a 44 gallon drum# remove the top and punch holes in the bottom for djrainage. A series of holes five inches square should be cut, leaving the bottom sicle so that the metal can be pushed out to prevent the soil from washing away. Fill the drum with a prepared soiL Place one strawberry plant in each hole and allow the foliage to hang down. Some plants may occupy the top. If feeding ad watering are carefully attended to a good crop can be hairvested about five months after top. If feeding and wratering are varieties for sale, and the much adveifised oue, Auchincruive Climax. does particularly w-ell in Taupo.