64 THE FLORIST. 



Kitchen Garden. — A busy time is approaching, and it will much 

 facilitate the operation of sowing and planting, and benefit the future 

 growth of the crops, if the ground has been previously well prepared 

 by deep cultivation. All ground for spring cropping, if not already 

 dug, should at once be dug or trenched, as requisite, adding the 

 necessary manure for incorporating with the soil during the operation. 

 Cabbage and Lettuce may be planted out on warm borders, if 

 not done in the autumn. Sow also Peas and Beans, Radish, and 

 Horn Carrot, in sheltered situations. When the quarters are clear, 

 trap all the slugs you can, by laying down a few leaves here and there, 

 or half a shovelful of fresh grains, to entice them ; this step will save 

 much trouble and annoyance hereafter. Plant Rhubarb, Seakale, and 

 Artichokes, on deep-trenched and well-manured soil. As these are plants 

 intended to remain for some time on the same ground, a good prepara- 

 tion is necessary. 



Pansies. — Plant into large pots, from those they have been wintered 

 in, such as are intended to bloom in pots. A month hence will do for 

 planting beds. 



Pelargoniums. — The specimens intended to flower early, if not 

 already done, should be tied out to their proper shape. Increase the 

 temperature a little as the season advances, and water more freely ; be 

 careful that enough is given at a time to penetrate the ball. Air 

 should be admitted daily, the state of the weather permitting. Take 

 care to close early in the afternoon, with a little sun-heat if possible. 

 Plants that have been wintered in small pots should now have their 

 final repotting ; and, if convenient, a little fire-heat will greatly assist 

 the bad growing sorts, and especially the fancies, in giving them a 

 gentle start in the fresh soil. Also this is a good time for stopping plants, 

 to flower late, that are established in their blooming pots. Seedlings 

 should be well looked to, giving them sufficient room, not to draw each 

 other up weakly. 



Peach-forcing. — Disbud the early house when forward enough, 

 doing a little at a time. Fumigate if green-fly appear. After the 

 fruit is fairly set, the trees may be syringed with tepid water daily. 



Pinery. — A brisk heat must be maintained to fruiting plants to get 

 them up, say 70° night temperature, and rising 10° or 15° during the 

 day. Pines in bloom should have a very dry temperature at this 

 season, to cause the blooms to open regularly and form handsome fruit 

 hereafter. Keep succession plants in a mild growing temperature, that 

 they may start into growth as slowly as possible. Give as much air as 

 you can every opportunity, and don't allow the bottom heat to decline, or 

 the plants will get a check, which may throw them into fruit in April. 



Strawberries. — The first batch will bloom this month ; as they show 

 their trusses, increase the heat slightly, to draw the flower stems out 

 from the foliage. Keep the plants near the glass, and free from green- 

 fly. As the blooms open, raise the temperature to 60° by night, and 

 give air on all occasions. Water sparingly when in bloom, but as the 

 fruit sets, increase the supply. Manure water will not be needed till 

 later. Bring on successional crops in pits or frames as gently as 

 possible, and remove them to more heat and air when the trusses 

 appear. 



