196 KALENDAR [PT. 



in any garden. All the same, the best gardeners have the 

 fewest failures." 



This is Mrs Earle's experience, and it is mine, and its 

 truth is never more evident than when during these weeks 

 a gardener takes stock of his spring sowings outside, and of 

 the propagation frame where seedlings have been battling 

 their way against all sorts of odds for weeks past. 



The half-hardy things and summer annuals should have 

 been already transferred from their seed pans, pricked out, 

 and hardened off in cold frames. Towards the middle of 

 this month they may be planted out of doors either 

 morning or evening in showery weather is the best time 

 for putting them out. A careful lookout is necessary 

 against predatory slugs, and a sprinkling of lime or soot 

 often repeated is a helpful precaution. 



In dry weather watering becomes necessary for many 

 plants in the open ground, but it should not be given 

 unless absolutely required, as the benefit from artificial 

 watering does not last. When necessary, however, 

 water should be applied continuously until a change of 

 weather, and much more abundantly than is usually 

 given. 



In the case of Strawberries * or newly-planted trees, 

 mulching with short straw or grass prevents the rapid pass- 

 age of moisture from the soil. 



Peas, Lettuce, and Spinach may be sown twice during 

 the month, also some Turnips for July use. 



Sow Cauliflowers for October. Broccoli also for a 

 * See page 134. 



