ISfi Journal of the Departmknt of Af:RicuLTURE. 



THE VEGETABLE GARDEN. 



February. 



By II. B. Tkrky, (^crL. H.H.S. (Loud, and S.A.), Lecturer in Horticulture, 

 School of Agriculture, Potchefstroom. 



This month is the best to mukc final preparations to ensure a i)lentifu] supply 

 of vegetables throughout the winter and early spring. February also marks 

 the time for sowing and j)lanting of winter crops in the warmer districts. Try 

 ;ind get every available i)iece of land in th(> gaiden sown to produce sonu- 

 vegetables for winter. 



Beetroot. — Sowings should bo made fen- succession, using Kclipse, Egyptian, 

 Turnip-rooted, Half Long. 



Beans. — Dwarf beans may be sown in Eastern Province and where no I'ear 

 of frost exists for the next three months. 



Beans, Broad. — Make small sowings only of Long Pod. Johnson's Wonder- 

 fid, "Windsor; generally the weather is too warm. 



Brussels Spro}its. — Not very successful as a rule; now is a good time in the 

 colder localities. Treat like cabbage. 



Cahbaffe. — "Sow earlv maturing sorts on ridges where th(\v are to head. Too 

 late to sow generally. In the warmer districts early heading varieties may 

 be sown and transplanted. 



Cauliflower. — Where this vegetable succeeds under severe conditions, trans- 

 planting should be completed. Broccoli should be grown where cauliflower fails. 



Carrot. — Make a large sowing of almost any variety. 



Celery. — In Cape Provinces this may be sown for transplanting. 



Kohl Bahi. — As a substitute for turnips this is uneqiiallcd. In districts 

 where turjiips fail this should be tried ; Wliito Vienna, Purple Vienna, Goliath 

 are useful. 



Lettuce. — vSowings should be made of cabbage or cos varieties, according 

 to desire; of the former, Boston, Iceberg, Continuity, Neapolitan; of the 

 latter, try Green Paris, Trianon, London White. 



Leehs. — On the high veld only should these be sown; use Musselburgh, 

 Italian Giant, Large Flag. 



Onions. — Make a general early sowing to transplajit during Aoril and May. 

 vSow Early Cape Straw, Flat Red, Bermuda White, Bed, Italiari Tripoli, Extra 

 Early Globe. 



Parsley.- — A sowing for succession shoidd be made now; this is a little 

 dillicult to germinate at times. Shade helps. 



Parsnip. — No time should be lost in sowing this on the high veld; sow 

 Hollow Crown, Stxident, Guernsey, and, for quick grower, Turni})-rooted. 



Peas. — -In Natal and the high veld sowings may be made. (Jradus, Black- 

 Eyed Susan, American Wonder, William Hurst, and Daffodil shotiid be used. 



Badish. — Sowings may be general; as a change from smill turnip-rooted 

 sorts try half-long varieties. They do not bolt to seed so readily, and are 

 firmer. vSow French Breakfast, Olive Shape, Long Red, White Vienna. 



Spinacli.- — Continue to sow summer varieties for succession. Where a 

 permanent crop is desired sow Swiss Chard in drills 2 feet apart, allowing 18 

 inches apart in the rows. 



Tomatoes. — Too late to sow except under low veld conditions. Growing 

 plants elsewhere should be kept off the sod if possible to prevent disease? and to 

 prolong the bearing. 



Turnips. — Where this crop can be successfully grown, a large sowing should 

 be made for autumn use. Suitable varieties arc Red Top, White Qlobe, Six 

 Weeks, Strap Leaf, Green Globe. 



Swedes may be sown where ample supplies of water are assured. 



Potatoes should be kept well cultivated and earthed up as growth proceeds, 

 Karly varieties may still be planted at the coast only. 



