348 PLANTING LIST 



as a half hardy annual, sowing after May first. Set out twelve 

 inches apart. 



Marrow : see Squash. 



Marshmallow : An herb, its roots used in candy making. It 

 is hardy. Sow seed in spring, or get root divisions. Set two feet 

 by one. 



Mignonette : Almost a necessary plant in any garden, loved for 

 the odor of its flower-spikes. These grow from twelve to eighteen 

 inches tall, and the best varieties bear far finer spikes than the 

 older sorts. The plant is hardy. Sow out of doors in early May, 

 and again every three weeks. On rich soil mignonette is not so 

 fragrant as on sandy soil ; it prefers a little shade. Good culture, 

 and cutting of the stalks before the seeds form, should provide for 

 the house a plentiful supply of flowers. The plants should stand 

 nine inches or more apart. 



Mint, or Spearmint : It is seldom grown from seed, as it is so easily 

 grown from a root begged from a neighbor. It is a hardy perennial, 

 valued for the flavor of its leaves ; once established in rich moist 

 soil it spreads so fast as almost to become a nuisance. It is there- 

 fore well to inclose it in a frame of boards sunk at least a foot. On 

 sandy soils it is not so troublesome. Sow the seed in early spring, 

 and thin the plants to six inches apart. Or set root divisions at 

 least a foot apart. The plant, except in poor soils, requires little 

 feeding and no protection. 



Moon-flower, see Ipomcea. 

 Morning-glory, see Ipomcea. 

 Mourning-bride, see Scabiosa. 



Muskmelon: A vegetable delicacy, needing warm, rich soil, 

 full sun, and moisture, for full success. The best soil is light and 

 sandy, enriched with well-rotted manure. Change the location 

 of the melon patch every three or four years. In windy places, or 

 on cold soil, melons do poorly. The season ought to be lengthened 

 by starting under glass ; or at least, if sown in the garden, melons 

 should have cheesecloth protection except south of New York. 



