GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 97, 27 November 1953, Page 8

GARDENS IN TAUPO

MORE SALAD PLANTS

(By

Flora)

celery is an exceedingly popular plant to grow, its uses are so varied. It may be eaten raw or cooked, and provides a welcome addition to any soup pot. Unfortunately it is not the easiest of plants to grow to perfection, and to be of any value it must be well grown. A certain depth of soil is a "must" in celery culture, and besides this, being a bog plant, it requires plenty of water at all times.

Under natural conditions our Taupo land lacks humus and, during a dry season, moisture, and you may wonder if it is wise to grow it here. But give the plot a j little forethought and hard work and you will be well repaid. I have seen excellent celery grown here. First make sure you have plenty of room. For two rows a space at least four feet wide will be necessary. This crop is usually grown in trenches, not that the celery should be planted deeply, but planting in a trench makes it eas-

ier to blanch, neither paper nor drain-pipes being as satisfactory as the soil method. The trench method also ensures that the plants get the full benefit of any moisture that is applied. The trenches should be dug toi a depth of 12 to 16 inches and about 15 inches wide. The soil taken out is thrown evenly on each side of the trench making ridges of equal height. It is of course essential that plenty of well rotted farmyard manure or compost should be used. But to avoid the mistake of dumping a thick layer at the bottom.

First of all break up the! bottom spit, then put at least six inches of your manure or compost and mix thoroughly with the existing soil. A sprinkling of potash and superphosphate is also beneficial. When the plants are ready (they will be j about three inches high) either from your own sown seed or from the nurseryman, plant in the trenches about a foot apart. If good heads are desired the trenches must be kept moist during the whole growing season. A thorough watering once a week might be necessary. Every alternate week a j weak liquid manure may be applied. I An excellent stimulant is diluted soot.

As the plant grows remove any side shoots. They are of no value and only rob the main plant. When the plant is abouut twelve inches high commence the earthing up. Hold the plant firmly while this operation is carried out to avoid any soil getting between the stems. Repeat the process as the plant grows. Celery is rather prone to leaf spot or rust, and spraying with Bordeaux mixture is helpful.

Beetroot and Chives. Beetroot in its native. state grew beside the sea and therefore enjoys a light soil, a condition found of course in Taupo. It can be sown quite early in the spring with successive sowings. It is not too late to put a row in, thinning out the seedlings till those remaining are about six inches apart. Chives, a perennial plant of the onion family, is useful for flavouring sandwiches or salads. The plants make a nice edging and grow well under dry conditions. The old plants can be broken up in spring and replanted, thereby obtaining a continuous supply.