446 VILLA GAEDEXING PART v 



may be raised either from seeds or root-sets, but the latter plan is 

 the best, and both seeds aud roots are fairlj^ cheap. The spring 

 is the time to sow or plant. The seeds should be sown in drills 

 15 inches apart, and the young plants thinned, when large enough, 

 to 1 foot apart in the rows. The roots (which may be obtained 

 in Lincolnshire for about Gs. per 100) should be planted firmly 

 about the same distance apart as is given above, and when the 

 plants get strong enough gathering may commence, but not much 

 should be taken from them the first year. The plant is a perennial, 

 aud will continue to produce for many years if well-treated. The 

 autumn is the best time to apply top-dressing. In spring the 

 j'oung shoots should be gathered like Asparagus just beneath the 

 surface of the subsoil, and the leaves may be used as a substitute 

 for Spinach whenever they can be obtained. 



Borecole or Kale. — These are less grown than they used to 

 be, but they are mild in flavom- and tender in composition, the 

 young shoots in spring being delicious. The seeds shoidd be sown 

 in April, and the young plants set out as opportunity oflers between 

 the middle of June and the middle of August. They are not par- 

 ticidar as to soil or situation, although, of course, like all other 

 things, they are best when well-treated. Plant in rows 2^ feet 

 apart, and 18 inches apart in the rows. When land is scarce, set 

 them out between the rows of Potatoes, or any other crop which 

 can shortly be cleared off". The New Hearting or Heading, and 

 the Asparagus or Bude, are excellent varieties, and the variegated 

 will be useful in winter for garnishing. 



CHAPTER XII 



The Tomato in the Open Air. — Sow the seeds in Febniary 

 or early in March in pots or pans ; cover lightly ^\ith sand or 

 sandy soil, and place in a hotbed near the glass. When the young 

 plants appear move them to a warm house, where they will be 

 near the glass, to get hardened by light and exposure. Pot off" 

 either singly or two in a pot, standing at opposite sides of the pot, 

 so that when the time comes to plant out the ball may be tlivided 

 through the middle, each plant taking its share, and but little 

 check need be given. After the plants are potted off" they may 

 either be taken back to the hotbed for a few days, or kept in a 

 warm close house till the roots begin work again, when they 

 should be moved to a light place, in order to give strength. Plants 

 that are well cared for in their youth begin to blossom and bear 

 fruit weeks before those reared in vineries or in situations away 



