462 VILLA GAEDENING part V 



Marrows is planted on the summit of the mound, and soon spreads 

 all over it, bearing immense numbers of Marrows. The common 

 way of preparing for Vegetable Marrows is to select a piece of 

 groimd in an open situation, and mark out the places for the plants 

 8 feet apart each way. Vegetable Marrows do not requu-e strong 

 manures. They lead to strong growth, but this is not often so 

 prolific as that of moderate strength. Compost which contains 

 a good deal of earthy matter, such as turfy loam, is the best for 

 Vegetable ]\Iarrows. If Manure is used, it should be mixed 

 thoroughly with the soil, which must be well broken down with 

 the fork or spade ; and in this nicely-worked friable bed either 

 plants or seeds may be set. Usually, where there are glass struc- 

 tures, the seeds are planted under glass. In 



Raising the Plants it is not well to sow the seeds too early. 

 I find the first week in April quite early enough. The seeds 

 should be planted in 4-inch pots, filled to within an rinch of 

 the top with nice mellow soil ; plant two seeds in each pot at 

 opposite sides, and cover half an inch deep with sandy soil. The 

 pots should then be placed in a pit or frame where there is a little 

 warmth, but not sufticicnt heat to draw the plants up weakly. As 

 soon as thoy arc strong enough they are hardened off", and planted 

 out about the 20th of May. If there are any handlights available 

 for their protection they may be planted a little earlier; but 

 the plants are tender, and they should not be put out too early 

 without some means of protection. Even when I defer planting 

 till the 20th of May, I always have some large flower-pots handy 

 to place over the plants should any signs of frost appear, or the 

 Avind be cold. 



In Planting, the soil should be jn-essed firmly about the base, 

 and the work finished ofi" in a workmanlike manner, leaving a 

 basin or hollow round the plants to hold water, if it should be 

 necessary to give some — as it probably will he till they are fairly 

 established. So far as regards delicacy of flavom- yoimg Marrows 

 are the best, and l)y cutting all as soon iis they are large enough 

 for use, a contiiuiance of nice yoimg Marrows will be produced. 

 When left to get large, bearing soon ceases, as the plants get 

 exhausted. 



Saving Seeds. — There is no occasion to save every year, as, 

 if kept dry, the seeds of this family will retain their vitality for 

 many years. If one of the handsomest fruit be left to ripen, seeds 

 enough will be produced to supply a moderately-sized garden for 

 a number of years. Vegetable Marrows may be trained over 

 faggot heaps or buildings, and so be made to yield some ornament, 

 but they bear quite as well trailing over the ground. It is a good 



