VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 9 



Undoubtedly one of (he main essentials to success in vegetable- growing is 

 that the soil should be suitable for the purpose. That the soil should be very 

 rich is not so important as that it should be a suitable medium on which to 

 build up fertility. Sandy soils are the best, being easy of tillage, usually 

 better drained, and warmer matters of considerable importance. There is 

 no dearth of suitable land in this State, as most classes of soil can be brought 

 to a suitable tilth, but heavy clay and uridrained soils should be avoided for 

 market gardening purposes. Where the suburban householder is obliged to 

 operate under such conditions as many are in the vicinity of Sydney lime 

 should be freely used to improve the texture, and drainage should be pro- 

 vided for. if possible. If the contour of the land will not admit of under- 

 ground drainage, a system of raised beds will be found necessary. To make 

 heavy soil of this class more friable, liberal quantities of organic manure 

 must be applied after the ground has been broken up. 



Some soils are naturally well adapted for the culture of vegetables. The 

 most important of these are river-flat lands, the soils of which are usually free- 

 working loams of alluvial formation. By reason of their location they are 

 usually well drained, but many are liable to inundation by flood waters 

 There are also many inland soil pockets, situated amongst the hills in 

 various districts, which are admirably suited for the purpose, and which need 

 little preparation. Many of the low-lying soils, such as are often found in 

 swampy areas, are of a peaty nature, and when drained and sweetened are 

 excellent from a gardener's point of view. 



Preference should be given, if possible, to soils that will favour the eirly 

 development of plants. Generally speaking, sandy soils, being well-drained, 

 friable, and warm, conduce to early and rapid growth, and thus enable the 

 grower to market his produce, or a good part of it, before large deliveries 

 have depressed prices. Unchecked steady development of vegetable crops 

 of all kinds is always desirable, the effect being apparent to the consumer in 

 the quality and attractiveness of the goods. Quick-growing crops, too, mean 

 that the ground is occupied for a shorter period, and that it can be the sooner 

 and more effectively prepared for the next crop in the rotation. 



Generally speaking, it can be stated that good vegetable soils are the 

 highest priced lands in the district. 



Ensure Plenty of Water. 



A reliable water supply is imperative for the production of vegetables, 

 with most of which good quality is only obtained by quick growth as 

 already remarked and this is only secured when the moisture requirements 

 are adequately met. 



Where ample supplies of water are assured the best returns are obtained, 

 particularly during dry weather when market supplies are limited. Abun- 

 dance of water is also necessary for the household, the cleansing of root vege- 

 tables, and the requirements of live stock. A water service may be obtained 

 from a local body or from some private supply, or else drawn from a spring, 

 dam, well, creek, or a river. 



