5i VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 



CRESS. 



There are two types of cress land-cress and water-cress. The land-cress 

 is a very fast growing crop and is utilised as a salad plant usually in 

 conjunction with mustard (see page 64). 



Small sowings should be made at regular frequent intervals if a constant 

 supply is desired. The plant runs to seed quickly, and must be used in the 

 early stages. During hot weather it should be grown in a shady position ; 

 for household purposes it is best cultivated in a seed-box. 



The crop is most easily grown, and the soil need not be very rich, in fact 

 wet sand or moss have been successfully used. Where ordinary soil is used, 

 a strip of hessian is sometimes placed over the surface of the soil, well 

 watered, and the seed sown on the hessian. This is done to keep the crop 

 clean. 



After sowing, the bed is usually covered unti germination commences 

 which may be within twenty-four hours after sowing if the temperature and 

 moisture requirements are favourable. The crop is cut for use when about 

 2 inches high. 



Water-cress, as the name signifies, is an aquatic plant, and the crop is 

 usually grown in running springs or creeks. 



The plant may be propagated by rooted cuttings or by sowing seed. In 

 the latter case, the seed being very fine should be mixed with sand, and 

 sown in trenches which are kept constantly moist. When the seedlings 

 appear, the trenches may be slightly flooded just sufficient to cover the 

 plants. 



CUCUMBER. 



The most favourable conditions for the production of cucumbers are a rich 

 sandy loam and a frost-free situation. The soil should be deeply worked, 

 and a liberal supply of well-rotted stable manure thoroughly worked into the 

 hills, which should be placed about 6 feet apart. Plant about eight seeds 

 per hill and later thin to the three strongest plants. , 



To produce early qucumbers for the Sydney market the seed should be sown 

 in June or July, in a warm corner with some bottom heat, or in tins or squares 

 as in the case of melons (see page 59), and when danger of severe frost i& 

 over the plants should be transferred to the warmest situation available and 

 protected by covering at night. The plants should be mulched and well 

 watered if the weather proves dry, and as high winds are prevalent in the 

 spring the vines should be secured in position by means of pegs, so that they 

 will not become matted and twisted together. 



The fruit should be gathered as soon as large enough and before any signs 

 of ripening are exhibited in order to allow of the development of the younger 

 fruits. For market the fruit should be carefully packed in layers, separated 

 by fine dry straw, in cases having a capacity of about a bushel, and 

 constructed so as to admit air. 



