IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 September 1940, Page 9

IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN

: POINTS IN CULTIVATION. i When soil conditions are suitable'one s may make first sowing of almost all , kinds of vegetable seeds except those i liable to be frosted such as Runner and • French beans. Beetroot will run to I seed if sown too early. I 1 Plantings should now be in of early ' potatoes for Christmas digging and i many sorts are available which would : be suitable such as Perfection, Epicure, 1 Cliffs, Dakota Red, Jersey Benes, 1 Black Kidney, Express, Witch Hill and > Catriona. s When sowing peas and broad beans, I do not sow too deep and if manure is 1 given place it below the seed and > lightly cover with soil. > Early cabbage and cauliflower may i be planted and seed may also be sown I for plants to set out in October. When forking through rows of rhui barb, take care not to cut the surface I roots and mulch the plants or work in ’ manure. Select a warm part of the garden . and make small sowings of suitable I salad plants such as cress, radish, : spring onions, and lettuce. These i should be sown in small quantities at frequent intervals. The white varieties of onions are milder and more suitable for using green. Leeks may be sown thinly in broad i rows. This will give plants for setting ■ out later. Sow celery in boxes of well-drained soil and place in warm position under glass. Potatoes which arc pushing through should be lightly covered with soil and peas and lettuce may require protection from birds by means of strands of cotton. Birds are reported to be very destructive already in Masterton gardens. In connection with the growing of tomatoes the soil should not be too rich and should be made firm with a surface dressing of super or bonedust. Do not plant too deep and very lightly spray the plants. . In Masterton don’t attempt to sow marrows, pumpkins, or squash until the Tararuas are clear of snow.