564 Journal of the Department of Agriculture. 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. 



June. 



By H. F5. Tekky, Cert. K.H.S., Lecturer in Htirticulturp, Scliool ol 

 A<>;ri(nlture, Potrhot'strooiii. 



The opportunity should be taken to clean up the vegetable section, destroyinp: 

 by fire or buryino; any remnants of previous crops that may afford shelter for 

 insect pests. While this is beinp; carried on, and before the soil is turned over, 

 apply liberally any stable or kraal manure obLauiablc, then, after resting until 

 August or September, the soil will be in a condition to receive any crop. 



TuKMi'S may still be sown for succession ; thin out the young plants to 

 about (i inches apart; use the thinnings as spinacli. 



C'AHitoTS should be kept well watered and cultivated: they will n)akc very 

 little growth other\\ ise. 



C.\BBAGK and C.UILIFLOWKK rcquuc a similar culLurt', and both crops must 

 be watched to see that they do not suffer from drought. The earliest heads 

 should now be ready to cut. As cauliflowers come on it is as well to break 

 down a few leaves over the heads to protect them from frost. 



Kohl IIabi is a much neglected vegetable, and only needs to be better 

 known as an excellent substitute for turnips to cause it to be more extensively 

 cultivated. It will grow where turnips have repeatedly failed, is easy to 

 germinate, and quick to mature. 



Pkas may still bi' sown foi- spring use if the position is not sul),iected to 

 heavy frosts. All existing crops should be kept well watered, as there is ji great 

 strain upon the plants when the pods are filling. 



Kadish may continue to be sown. A good plan is to sow in the same 

 rows as lettuce; the radish matures early and lea\'es tlie lettuce to utilize tlu> 

 ground as a follow-on crop. 



Oxioxs. — Autumn seedlings should he jilantcKl out now and not delayed any 

 longer. vSet them out in straight rows, 15 to IS inches apart. 'I'he soil should 

 l)e well filmed after planting, and take caic not to plant deeper than 1 inch. 



Celery should now be fully developed and available for use. A little dry 

 grass spread over the plants will protect the leaves from frost bite; keep the 

 plants earthed up and watered to make the stalks cris]). 



Leeks are advancing well and only require a few waterings to maintain 

 growth. Further planting may be made; treat like onions and give rich soil. 



Bkoad Ueans should be .sown to pod during October and November. 

 Progress above the ground may be slow, but the good root action below will lie 

 made good use of when the weather becomes warnu'r. 



AsPAiiA(iUS. — Clean oft" any old top growths and spread a covering of weil- 

 decayed stable manure over the beds. Ncm' crowns should be [danted as soon 

 as possible; the beds shoidd not be raised, but sunk slightly for preference to 

 facilitate irrigation during dry weather in spring. Set the crowns 4 inches 

 deep and spread the roots well out; 2 feet (i inches to 3 feet behveen the rows 

 is required IVir cnltiwition . 



Tlni liAHit of ordinary type will also require to be well manured after the 

 rubbish has been cleaned away from the recent crop. Old crowns may bo 

 lifted, divided, and replanted if more plants are needed. Wintei- rhubarb 

 (Topp's Crimson), if well wateied and the soil kept loose around the plants. 

 will supply unlimited (|uantities of this delightful pie-vegetahle throu,ghout the 

 entire winter season. 



