A Year's Work in the Vegetable Garden 



Put on a foot-depth of light, rich soil after the frames are in their 

 places, and wait a few days to sow the seed in case of a great heat 

 rising. When the heat is steady and comfortable, sow seeds in 

 pots and pans, as needful, the quantity required of each separate 

 crop, and stand them on bricks above the bed, and the heat will 

 then be none too much for them. In the course of a few days finish 

 the work by putting in a body of earth. Do not attempt to hurry 

 the growth of anything overmuch, for undue haste will produce a 

 weak plant ; rather give air and light in plenty, but with care to pre- 

 vent injurious check, and the plants will be short and healthy from 

 the first. 



Artichokes, Globe, to be cleared of protecting material as soon 

 as weather permits, and fresh plantations made ready for suckers to 

 be put in next month. A new plantation may also be prepared for 

 by sowing seeds ; in fact, a sowing ought to be made every year. 

 Where early produce is required, the plants should be protected 

 during winter to supply suckers in the spring ; but, if late supplies 

 suffice, the sowing of a few rows every year will reduce the labour, 

 and render the production of Globe Artichokes a very simple affair. 



Artichokes, Jerusalem, may be planted now advantageously. 

 Use whole sets if convenient, or plant cut sets with about three eyes 

 in each. Strong, deep soil produces the best crop, and large roots 

 are always preferred by the cook, because of the inevitable waste in 

 preparing this vegetable. The Jerusalem Artichoke is certainly not 

 properly appreciated, and one reason is that it is often carelessly 

 grown in any out-of-the-way starving corner, whereas it needs a sunny, 

 open spot, and a strong, deep soil, and plenty of room. To hide an 

 ugly fence during summer no more useful plant is grown. 



Asparagus. Little attention is required as yet, except to remove 

 every weed as soon as it can be seen. If the beds are dry, and there 

 are no indications of coming rain, one good soaking of water or weak 

 sewage will be very beneficial. Mark out and make beds for sowing 

 seed next month. 



Bean. Plant out those raised in frames, and earth up those that 

 are forward enough of early sowings. Sow for main crops and late 

 supplies. In late districts a few of the earliest sorts may be sown to 

 come in before the Windsor section. 



Beet. Sow a little seed for an early supply, in well-dug mellow 

 soil. The crop will need protection from early frosts. 



Broccoli for autumn use to be sown early ; and at the end of 

 the month sow again in quantity for winter supplies. Plant out in 



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