SEEDS TO GROW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1939, Page 2

SEEDS TO GROW

SOME USEFUL HINTS. Much of the spring freshness of young roots and leaves can be extended until autumn, if some small sowings are now made of a number of vegetables. Carrots and beet are particularly successful when sown now in small quantities, just sufficient to provide small roots in succession to those of earlier sowings. A plot of ground of reasonable size will prove quite large enough for a "wide variety of supplementary vegetables, and at this season of the year should not require much preparation. A plot from which early potatoes have been removed should be ideal. If the soil is found to be very dry, it is as well to soak the drills overnight, then sow the seeds next morning, covering with sifted soil. This applies to flowers as well as vegetables. A short rooted variety of carrot should be chosen and the drills should not be less than one foot apart to facilitate hoeing and thinning. If the main crop of carrots has failed—a not uncommon occurrence—gardeners may make another main crop sowing now with every hope of success. Round beet, pulled when about the size of a large walnut from January sowings, are particularly palatable and form a welcome addition to the salad bowl. The cultural requirements are the same as for carrots. A small sowing of onions made at once will provide material for the salad bowl and small bulbs for pickling. Thinning may be done as the plants are pulled for use; for pickling purposes the bulbs require little space for development. Potatoes are not usually planted at this season, yet some welcome young tubers are often produced from small plantings made in February. An effort should be made to procure “sets” of an early variety, short haulmed for preference, not too much shrivelled and with shoots.

A small sowing of an early turnip should furnish some small and tender roots. The seed can be sown between rows of peas and beans. Turnips enjoy a moist rich soil and the roots are best and most tender when grown rapidly. A row or two of summer spinach will maintain a supply of wholesome leaves until the winter spinach is ■available. Some early varieties of peas may be sown, but the result is something of a gamble, although it is well worth taking the risk. Routine culture of vegetables sown at the present time is simple; regular hoeing, a supply of water in dry weather and thinning when necessary, comprise all that is required. Peas, beans and lettuce in particular must be well supplied with moisture if they are to prove successful.