July 



various requirements. It is otherwise now. The Cabbages that 

 can be relied on to finish well in spring are comparatively few in 

 number. But repeated experiments have demonstrated that loss 

 and disappointment can be avoided by sowing only those varieties 

 which show no tendency to bolt. Another, but minor, cause of 

 Cabbages starting seed-stems is premature sowing. The exact date 

 for any district must be determined by the latitude and the aspect 

 of the place. In the North sowing will, of necessity, be earlier than 

 in the Midlands or the South. Assuming, however, that suitable 

 varieties are chosen, the whole difficulty can be disposed of, even on 

 soils where Cabbages show an unusual tendency to send up seed- 

 stems prematurely, by sowing in August instead of in July. The 

 seed-bed should be nicely prepared, and any old plaster, or other 

 rubbish containing lime, should be dug in. Sow thinly, for a thick 

 sowing makes a weak plant, no matter how severely it may be thinned 

 afterwards. 



Cardoons to be thinned to one plant in each station, and that, 

 of course, the strongest. 



Carrot. Frame culture of small soits should commence, to 

 produce a succession of young Carrots for table. 



Celery to be planted out in showery weather. It is too late to 

 sow now, except for soups, and for that purpose only a small sowing 

 should be made, as it may not come to anything. 



Chards. Those who care for Chards must cut down a number 

 of Globe Artichokes about six inches above ground, and, if necessary, 

 keep the plants well watered to induce new growth, which will be 

 ready for blanching in September. 



Cucumbers on ridges generally do well without water, but they 

 must not be allowed to suffer from drought. If watering must be 

 resorted to, make sure first of soft water well warmed by exposure to 

 the sun, and water liberally three or four evenings in succession, and 

 then give no more for a week or so. 



Endive to be sown for winter. It will be well to make two 

 sowings, say on the first and last days of the month. 



Garlic and Shallots to be taken up in suitable weather, and 

 it may be necessary to complete the ripening under shelter. 



Leeks to be planted out; and on dry soils, in trenches prepared 

 as for Celery. 



Parsley to be sown for winter use. It is a most important 

 matter, even in the smallest garden, to have a constant supply. 



Peas seldom do much good when sown later than June, but 



181 



