The Rural Voice, 1978-06, Page 33tubers from late blight spores washing
down with rains."
As far as harvesting is concerned,
maincrop or late varieties should be left in
the ground until the foliage dies down. If
the crop was planted in mid-May, it should
be ready for harvest by mid -to late
September.
Potatoes should then be stored in a dark,
frost -proof cellar, preferably at a tempera-
ture of about 5° to 8°C. Tubers normally go
through a rest period of about two months,
after which some sprouting will occur.
Sprouts should be removed to prevent
shrivelling.
Your garbage can be
valuable in your garden
Would you like to cut down on your use
of chemical fertilizers, and at the same
time reclaim some of the garbage leaving
your kitchen?
Composting is one way we can benefit
from our garbage says the Energy
Conservation centre at Lucknow. It can be
used as a mulching material. When added
to the topsoil it improves texture, porosity,
water holding capacity, and also increases
the organic content of the soil.
Composting simply involves taking
organic wastes and placing them in a soil
culture. The contruction of a backyard
compost heap can be simple and
inexpensive.
An easy method is to take the bottom out
of a large garbage can, drill some side
holes for ventilation and start placing
compost inside. The cover will keep pests
away and will also contain the heat. Heat is
produced as the garbage decomposes. This
heat should be contained, because it helps
keep the natural organisms functioning,
which helps to decompose the waste.
Add compost materials as they become
available. Do not add thick layers of finely
ground materials such as sawdust, which
packs tightly and prevents ventilation.
It is also a good idea to place a layer of
soil or manure between the layers of
garbage about every 8 inches. This will
increase the bacteria count and speed up
decomposition. Keep the compost moist,
but not soggy. If possible fork over the pile
every four or five days to speed up
decomposition. Turning the compost mixes
and aerates the raw compost.
Items to compost include kitchen
garbage, peanut and nut shells, pet
wastes, barbecue grill residues, leaves,
garden wastes, and grass clippings. Other
items which are acceptable in small
amount include egg shells, clam and oyster
shells, and sawdust.
Your compost heap should be located in
a sunny, breezy corner of your backyard or
garden. Make sure it is well away from
water ways or wells, and it is at least one
foot above the water table.
By starting a compost heap now, you can
have mulching material for your garden by
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mid -summer or fall. This is one way you
can reclaim some of the garbage leaving
your home.
Choose the lawn mower
that best fits your needs
Because lawn mowers are used more
than any other piece of gardening
equipment, it is important to choose these
machines carefully.
Ross Irwin, School of Engineering,
Ontario Agricultural College, says prospec-
tive buyers should be aware that there are
basically two types of lawn mowers.
There are advantages and disadvantages
to both types, and like cars, there are wide
ranges of prices and models.
The reel -type lawn mower, commonly
used by professionals, operates in a
scissorlike fashion with the reel blade
cutting against a bed knife.
This type of mower, if correctly adjusted
and sharp, makes the cleanest cut and is
Modemizing
your kitchen?
check the
quality of these
all -wood cabinets by Belvedere
BELVEDERE KITCHEN CABINETS
Put on a happy face and install these handsome,
beautifully matched cabinets. All units have the
easy to clean surfaces and they carry the
Belvedere mark of craftmanshi
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BUILDING CENTRE
Hensall
151 Richmond St. S.
262-2418
Seatorni
112 High St.
27.0910
THE RURAL VOICE/JUNE 1978. PG. 33.