CROPS FOR SPRING USE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 July 1940, Page 8

CROPS FOR SPRING USE

FREQUENT CULTIVATION NECESSARY. Crops grown for spring use should be assisted as much as possible by frequent cultivation. Forking lightly through the rows does much good. This will alow the air to penetrate to a greater depth; the soil then will be sweeter and congenial and encourage root growth. Should the soil require lime, now is the time to apply it. The value of lime in the vegetable garden, is generally not well known. The functions of lime are not limited to supplying the needs of plants. It has important offices in neutralising the acidity of the soil. Where large quantities of manure have been used each year, or much decayed vegetation has been dug in, the soil is liable to become toxic. To correct this apply carbonate of lime at the rate of Boz to the square yard. Lime also improves both the chemical and mechanical condition of the soil. When the soil is in a sanitary condition the micro-organisms that the soil contains can multiply and function to their fullest and keep the soil in a fertile condition. Do not overlook the value of under’ drainage. Soil that is water-log-ged throughout the greater part of win-, ter can never give its best. A wet, cold soil is most uncongenial to vegetable crops.