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On most soils, 42 lb. of
National Growmore Fertilizer should be enough for a 10-rod plot (300 square
yards). A few days before sowing or planting, scatter 1 lb. evenly over
every 10 sq. yards and rake in. To give this general dressing to a 10-rod
allotment will take 30 lb. This will leave 12 lb. for giving an extra
dressing to potatoes, winter green crops and spring cabbages.
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4-1/2 lb. should be reserved for potatoes and should be
applied at planting time. 5-1/2 lb. should be kept for applying during
August to the autumn and winter green crops when they are making active
growth. The remaining 2 lb. should be used during March as a top dressing
for spring cabbage.
You will be able to get National Growmore Fertilizer
from most sundries merchants. Allotment societies and similar bodies, which
have hitherto bought their fertilizers in bulk, are able to buy National
Growmore Fertilizer in bulk at reduced prices.
On some allotments or in some gardens it may be
necessary to give an additional top dressing of a nitrogenous fertilizer
(such as Sulphate of Ammonia) to any growing crops, applying it at the rate
of about 1 lb. per 10 square yards.* |
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Lime is of great importance to
the garden. Decaying vegetable matter and certain fertilizers tend to make
soils acid or "sour". This is bad for plant growth, so lime must be added to
make the soil sweet. Do not add too much, for plants grow best in a neutral
soil. Lime contains calcium and this is a plant food. Lime or chalk also
improves the texture of clay soils, making it easier to get good tilth.
So do not neglect to lime your land if it needs it ;
but do not overdo it. As a general rule the vegetable garden benefits from a
dressing of lime every third or fourth year. Lime is particularly good for
crops of the cabbage family and helps to control "club root". So lime the
part of the plot on which these crops are to be grown. In fact, it is a good
plan to lime a third of the plot each year, so that the whole plot will be
limed once in three years. Apply the lime after you have finished digging.
Do not apply it at the same time as farmyard manure. Fork it in lightly or
let it lie on the surface to be washed in by rain. |
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If you are uncertain whether or not your soil needs lime,
ask some knowledgeable person to advise you––your local Parks Superintendent
or the county Horticultural Officer at the County Council Offices in your
county town.
Gardening societies, which bulk
their orders so that they amount to not less than 2 tons, can get lime for
food production at half-price under the Government's Land Fertility Scheme,
if the society is registered as an approved association under the scheme.
You can get particulars from the Agricultural Lime Department (U.K.) of the
Ministry at Hotel Majestic, St. Annes, Lytham St. Annes, Lancs. |
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