GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 141, 8 October 1954, Page 2

GARDENS IN TAUPO

THE ESSENTIAL VEGETABLE

(By

4 4Flora' ' )

The recent spell of dry weather has somewhat held up the sowing of vegetable seeds, but once the soil is damp again no time should be lost. October is the vital month in the Taupo gardener's calendar. Further sowings of those vegetables mentioned before namely, peas, carrots, turnips and lettuce, may be made. Besides these, the following may also be planted. Red Beet This being a seaside plant does well in our light soil. A sprinkling of two parts superphosphate to one . of blood and bone along the drill, some days before sowing, is of great benefit. Thin plants to at least six inches apart. It is possible to transplant the young seedlings if necessary. Silver Beet This is purely a leaf vegetable although, the centres or midribs of the leaves of some of varieties may be used like seakale. When planted in rich soil it makes enormous foliage which comes in useful during winter and early spring. Sow seeds sparsely, later thin plants till they are about fifteen inches apart. Cabbage Young plants can now be procured and no time should be lost in planting out a row. 1 Animal manure, superphosphate and potash are their chief requirements. Seed of the Savoy cabbage may be sown now for later planting. Broccoli and Cauliflower This seed may be sown anytime from now till mid-November. Unless your garden is fairly large it is not a very satisfactory crop, because of the long growing season required. But what could be nicer than a freshly cut cauliflower. Plants from seed sown now require to be set out in December, and will mature in late autumn, winter or early spring. Brussels Sprouts As these take a long time to d,evelop good sprouts they should be sown now, and as soon as ready planted out into their permanent positions. It is essential that the soil should be rich and firmed well. Well-rotted farmyard manure with the addition of 2 parts superphosphate to 1 part potash is advised. Leeks You may either sow seed now or procure young plants later in the - season. They do well in most soils providing these are deeply worked, although they prefer soil in which there is plenty of organic matter. The leek has become more popular during the last few years. Even the severest winter cannot harm the plants. Onion The onion has been used as food probably for longer than any other vegetable. It is known that the Pharaohs had it on their tables. Seed may be sown now, but bulbs i from sowings made at this time are seldom of good keeping quality. Therefore it would be better to buy ! young plants for immediate planting. This crop may be grown on the same ground year after year without detriment. The addition of two parts blood and bone to one part sulphate of potash, mixed with compost and spread over the plot before setting out, is of great benefit to the ultimate result.