170 THE GARDENER. [April 



crop. A good plot of Carrots is seldom seen in gardens, and many 

 do not attempt to grow them. AVe have tried every plan tliat we 

 have heard or read of to grow Carrots free from the ravages of grubs, 

 but at times only with moderate success. Where Leeks were grown, and 

 a good mulching of grass-mowings given as soon as the Carrots were 

 thinned, and repeated dustings of soot in wet weather, we secured 

 an excellent crop one season, but partially failed the following. We 

 intend this season to sow Leek seed along with the Carrot, and mulch 

 as usual : if Leek is distasteful to the enemy, it will thus have the 

 nuisance always present. Sandy soil, not very rich, grows by far the 

 finest-flavoured Carrots ; heavy wet soil gives large roots, but they are 

 coarse. Early Horn, James's Scarlet, and Altringham, are good kinds 

 for general use (early and late). 



More Peas may be sown, also broad Beans as formerly advertised. 

 Laxton's Prolific, Champion of England, Essex Rival, Harrison's Glory, 

 and the Prince, are kinds which will do well sown this month. Stake 

 Peas as soon as they are a few inches high ; much injury is often done 

 by allowing them to blow about with the wind. Asparagus (to keep 

 up a stock of plants) may be sown on deep light soil, if necessary, in 

 rows ; 18 inches apart will do. The seed should be sprinkled in thinly, 

 and covered an inch or two, making the soil fine with a rake. Kidney 

 Beans may be sown in a warm and sheltered position ; they often 

 perish in the ground when early sown, and are seldom so strong or 

 much earlier than those sown in the first or second week of May. 

 Scarlet Runners are of a similar nature ; we sometimes secure a good 

 early row by covering the plants with fiower-pots every night till frost 

 is past. A frame for a few weeks is most useful for protection ; when 

 they are required before the usual time, we employ a frame and a spent 

 hot-bed for latest forcing crop of French Beans, making use of the 

 frame for other purposes when done with for Beans. When sowing 

 seeds which are rather tender, it is well to expose the drills to the 

 sun for several hours, sowing and covering up dry and warm. A full 

 supply of Celery may be sown in a frame, or under hand-lights ; keep 

 the temperature even, and prevent the seedlings from becoming 

 either dry or sodden with wet. Prick out those that are fit to handle 

 on a bed (formed on a hard surface) of rotten manure, 3 inches or so 

 deep, and an inch or two of fine soil placed over the surface : put in 

 the seedlings, and water them thoroughly when they require it : 

 shade from hot sun. Hardy herbs and Rhubarb seed may be sown in 

 light soil if required. Salsify and Scorzonera may be sown and treated 

 like Parsnips, but not thinning so severely. Chicory is a useful plant 

 for lifting and blanching, its fresh-grown tops to be used with salad in 

 winter. All seeds sown in the open ground, which are devoured by 



