March 



Spinach. Sow in plenty. The Perpetual or Spinach Beet 

 should not be forgotten. This is one of the most useful vegetables 

 known, as it endures heat and cold with impunity, and when common 

 Spinach is running to seed the Perpetual variety remains green and 

 succulent, and fit to supply the table all the summer long. 



Spinach, New Zealand, is another excellent vegetable in high 

 summer when the Round-seeded variety is worthless. The plant is 

 rather tender, and for an early supply the seed must be sown in 

 moderate heat, either in this month or in April. When large enough, 

 get the seedlings into small pots, and gradually harden them before 

 planting in the open about the end of May. 



Strawberries. Spring is undoubtedly preferable to autumn 

 for planting, and results in a finer crop of fruit in the following year. 

 Just as growth is commencing is the most favourable time, and 

 this, of course, depends on the character of the season. The Alpine 

 varieties are annually raised from spring-sown seeds in pans, or in 

 drills on a rich border. 



Tomato. In ordinary seasons and in the southern counties 

 there is no difficulty in producing handsome Tomatoes in the open 

 border ; but to ripen the fruit with certainty it is imperative that an 

 early variety be chosen. With the rise of latitude, however, the crop 

 becomes increasingly precarious, until in the North it is impossible to 

 finish Tomatoes without the aid of glass. For plants which are to 

 ripen fruit in the open, a sowing should be made early in the month, 

 in the manner advised under January. Plants which are ready 

 should be transferred to small thumb pots. Put them in so that the 

 first leaves touch the rim of the pot, and place them in a close frame 

 or warm part of the greenhouse for a few days until the roots take 

 hold. To save them from becoming leggy, give each plant ample 

 space, and avoid a forcing temperature. A shelf in a greenhouse is 

 a good position, and plants in a single row upon it will grow stout and 

 short-jointed. Thrips and aphis are extremely partial to Tomatoes. 

 Frequent sprinklings in bright weather will help to keep down the 

 former, and will at the same time benefit the plants. Both pests can 

 be destroyed by fumigating with tobacco, and when the remedy is 

 to be applied water should .be withheld on that day. A moderate 

 amount of smoke in the evening and another application in the 

 morning will be more destructive to the vermin, and less injurious to 

 the plants, than one strong dose. The usual syringing must follow. 

 Plants for the open ground must not be starved while in pots ; they 

 will need potting on until the 4^-inch size is reached, and it is 



