April 



follow, a large proportion of the plants will be destroyed unless 

 protected, and there is no cheaper protection than empty flower- 

 pots, which may be left on all day, as well as all night, in extreme 

 cases when a killing east wind is blowing. Sow now, prick the plants 

 out early to save buttoning, and they will make a quick return. 



Celery. Sow in a warm corner of the open ground on a bed 

 consisting largely of rotten manure. It will happen in a good 

 season that this outdoor sowing will prove the best after all, as it will 

 have no check from first to last, and will be in just the right state for 

 planting out when the ground is ready for it after Peas and other 

 early crops. If Celery suffers at any time a serious check, it is apt 

 to make hollow stems, and then the quality is poor, no matter to 

 what size the sticks may attain. Prick out the plants from seed- 

 pans on to a bed of rotten manure, resting on a hard bottom, in 

 frames or in sheltered nooks, and look after them with extra care 

 for a week or two. Good Celery cannot be grown by the haphazard 

 gardener. 



Endive. Sow a small quantity in moderate heat for the first 

 supply, in drills six inches apart, and when an inch high prick out on 

 to a bed of rich light soil. 



Herbs. Chervil, Fennel, Hyssop, and other flavouring and 

 medicinal Herbs, may be sown now better than at any other time, as 

 they will start at once into full growth, and need little other after- 

 care than thinning and weeding. Rich soil is not required, but the 

 position must be dry and .sunny. 



Leek to be sown again if the former sowing is insufficient or has 

 failed. 



Lettuce to be sown for succession, the quick-growing, tender- 

 hearted kinds being the best to sow now. Plant out from frames and 

 seed-pans. A few forward plants may be tied, but as a rule tying is 

 less desirable than most people suppose. Certainly, after tying, the 

 hearts soon rot if not quickly eaten ; and as fine Lettuces as can be 

 desired may now be grown without tying, the close-hearting sorts 

 being very much improved in that respect. 



Melon. Sow again for a second crop in houses, and grow the 

 plants in pots until they reach a foot high. The early crop will then 

 be ripe, and the house can be cleared and syringed for a fresh start. 

 From this sowing fruit should be ready about the beginning of July. 

 The frame culture advised for Cucumbers will be right for Melons, 

 until the fruits attain the size of a small orange. Then a thorough 

 soaking must be given, and under proper management no more water 



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