Dwarf Bean 



ance up to a certain point ; but an early crop being provided for, 

 abundance of production next claims consideration, the heaviest 

 bearers being of course best adapted for main-crop sowing. As re- 

 gards the sowing and general management, we feel bound to remark 

 that Dwarf Kidney Beans are usually crowded injuriously, even in 

 gardens that are generally well managed. Nothing is gained by 

 crowding. On the contrary, loss always ensues when the individual 

 plant, through deficiency of space, is hindered in its full development. 



For early crops which are eventually to come to maturity in the 

 open ground, the first sowings may be made in the month of April, 

 either in boxes in a gentle heat, or better still in a frame on a sunny 

 border without artificial heat. The tender growth that is produced 

 by a forcing process is not well adapted for planting out in May ; but 

 a plant produced slowly, with plenty of light and air, will be stout and 

 strong, and if put out with care as soon as mild weather occurs in 

 the month of May, will make good progress and yield an early crop. 

 The seed for this purpose should be sown in rather light turfy soil, 

 as the plants may then be lifted without injury to their fleshy roots. 

 A little kindly treatment will be desirable for some time after they 

 are planted, to protect them from sun and frost, as well as to give 

 water, if necessary, although, perhaps, the less watering the better, 

 provided the plants can hold their ground. The plot to which these 

 early sowings are to be transplanted should be light and rich, and 

 lying towards the sun ; the lines should be opened by the spade or 

 hoe in preference to using the dibber, and the fine soil from the 

 surface should be carefully closed in upon the roots as fast as they 

 are dropped into their places with their balls of earth unbroken. 

 Rough handling will seriously interfere with the ultimate result, but 

 ordinary care will insure abundant gatherings of first-class produce at 

 a time when there are but few in the market. 



Main crops are sown from the last week in April to the middle 

 of June, and for late crops sowings may be made during July, and 

 on to the first week of August. The distance for main-crop rows 

 may be from one and a half to two feet apart, according to the 

 vigour of the variety, the strongest growers requiring fully two feet, 

 and the distance between the plants may be eight to twelve inches ; 

 therefore it is well to drill the seed about three inches apart, and 

 thin out as soon as the rough leaves appear. The ground being in 

 fairly good condition, it will only be necessary to chop over the 

 surface, if at all lumpy, and draw drills to the line with the hoe, which 

 is far better than dibbling, except on very light soil, when dibbling 



19 C2 



