March 



heat will be durable in proportion to its size and thickness. Where 

 fallen leaves are abundant, they should be used for the middle of the 

 bed, and they will give a more lasting heat than short manure. When 

 the bed has settled down to a steady temperature, add six or nine 

 inches of mellow loam over the entire surface, upon which place the 

 frames. To insure drainage, it is an excellent plan to lay common 

 flake hurdles on the top of the heap before adding the soil. These 

 do not in the least interfere with the free running of the roots. It is 

 usual to have two plants under each light, but where the management 

 is good, one is quite enough. The subsequent work consists of 

 shading and sheltering, to prevent any serious check from trying 

 weather, and in giving just water enough and no more. The fer- 

 menting material should sustain the temperature of the frame, even 

 during frosty nights, and mats will screen off strong sunshine as well 

 as cold winds. The plants will need stopping earlier than those 

 grown in houses, and as there are no hot-pipes to dissipate the 

 moisture, rather less water will be necessary, both in the soil and from 

 the syringe. But the water employed should always be of the same 

 temperature as the bed. This is easily managed by keeping a full 

 can standing with the plants. In large frames, where there is a good 

 body of manure and the loam is mellow and turfy, pieces of Mush- 

 room spawn can be inserted all over the bed. The Mushrooms may 

 appear while the bed is in full bearing ; but if they do not they will 

 come when the plants are cleared out, and pay well to keep the lights 

 in use another month or so. 



Garlic may still be planted, but no time is to be lost. 



Herbs of many kinds may be sown or divided, and it will be 

 necessary to look over the Herb quarter and see how things stand for 

 the supplies that will be required. A little later excess of work may 

 prevent due attention to this department. 



Horse-Radish to be planted, if not done already. 



Kohl Rabi or Knol Kohl to be sown in small quantity at the 

 end of the month. If cooked while young, the bulbs are an excellent 

 substitute for Turnips in a hot, dry season. 



Leek. Sow the main crop in very rich, well-prepared soil, and 

 rather thickly, as they will have to be planted out. With a little 

 management this sowing will yield a succession of Leeks. 



Lettuce. Plant out and sow again in quantity. All the kinds 

 may be sown now, but make sure of enough of the Cos and smaller 

 Cabbage varieties. In hot, dry soils, where Lettuces usually run to 

 seed early, try some of the red-leaved kinds, for though less delicate 



16 M 2 



