GARDENS IN TAUPO

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 161, 25 February 1955, Page 3

GARDENS IN TAUPO

Work Before Winter

( By

Florn )

Tlie practicallv complete nbsenee of frosts during the summer lnonths lias made a great difference to our gardens, and recent heavy rains have brought the later crops to matnrity. But this does not inean any ceasing of our labours, for now is our last opportunity to plant seed lings of winter maturing vegetables — leeks, Brussels sprouts, Savoy cabbage and broccoli. While on the subject of greens for winter use, mention niust be made of silver beet, a great standbv for the winter menu, tbough looked upon by some as the black sheep of the vegetable garden. The soil cannot be too ricli for this crop. Plenty of nitrogen does nmch to cbeck the tendency to run to seed early in tlie coming spring. A dressing of two parts blood and bone niived witb one part sulpbate ammonia forked in round growing plants will set tbem into luxuriant growth. Apply while tlie soil is moist, and water in. Many ask, is it too late to iow root ' crops? This is a debatable quest.ion in Taupo, ayd as seasons differ no hard and fast rule can be laid down. But sbould vou have space in the garden it is well wortb a trial to put in a sowing of carrots, beet and turnips. Especially if you have a water supply, tbus avoidmg a drying out of the growing crop, wliicb is fatal for seedlings. Seed for tlie first spring cabbage may be sown now, Flower of Spring being a reliable variety. Keep a sharp lookout for a large green caterpillar tbat is partial to the ripening tomato, and once be arrives lose no tiine in spraying witli arsenate of lead. And if this spray hus been used nuake sure tliat all fruit is tboroughly waslied before using. Vacant plots should now be forked over and a cover crop sown, eithur lupins, wliicb need a fairly long growing period, mustard or a. corea;. Ilarvesting of onions usually takes place during March, according to the forwardness of the crop. Wben ihe bulbs appear to have reacbed tlieir maximum growth, usually at the end of February, bend the top over; this will assist the drying. The correct stage for lifting is wben the hnibs stand well out of the ground and the foliage bas lost its green colouving and feels dry. During the lifting care nuisl; be taken not to bruise or injure the bulbs, as damaged ones will qirckly jOt. On no account must Miey go into store iinmediatoly ihoy aro harvosted. After pulling thcy sbould be laid on tlieir sides will) roofs oxposed to tlie sun. If Ihe weather is wet they may need to be turned several tiwos. For storing, eitber string np by the necks, or sling the bulbs in a tbin laver on nets or wire netting, and attacb to the celling of an airy sbed.