EARLY SPRING CABBAGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1938, Page 5

EARLY SPRING CABBAGE

USE OF FERTILISER. 1 If early spring cabbages are desired 1 the plants must be top-dressed with 1 fertiliser early in spring. Generally < the first dressing may be givpn early 1 in August. By that ...time the tempera- 1 ture of the soil is commencing to rise, : and as the plant roots are beginning to be active they are able to absorb the extra food. If the soil is already in good condition the following mixture may be used: —-Four parts of sulphate of ammonia, one part sulphate of potash, and two parts superphosphate of lime. This should be applied at the rate of about lloz pel- square yard. It must not be hoed unless the weather is very mild, and even then it should not be hoed in deeply. If the soil is disturbed too much, frost is let into the soil and the roots may'be damaged. A further application of fertiliser should be given about the middle of September, and the ground hoed well at the same time. This treatment will ensure that cabbages are available before the end of October. When the mixture is to be used on heavy land the amount of superphosphate and of potash should be doubled, and a heavier dressing, about 3oz per square yard, given.