GARDEN OPERATIONS IN JANUARY. 151 



CHAPTER XIX. 



GARDEN OPERATIONS IN JANUARY. 



WHEN we think of January and the garden together 

 we are apt to fly to the conclusion that very little can be 

 done then; but when we come to consider all that 

 may be done, in connection with all that wants doing, 

 to prepare for the superabundance of spring work, which 

 will become urgent with the first break in the weather, 

 we remember that the first month in the year will not 

 be a bit too long to prepare for the eleven which are to 

 follow it. 



One job which may most usefully occupy the leisure 

 of winter is to set the tool-house in order, putting up 

 new shelves, hooks, and nails wherever they are wanted, 

 and finding a good and appropriate place for every tool 

 and garden appliance. It is a good time too for getting 

 all the tools set in order, while those which want mend- 

 ing can best be spared. Stores of stakes, shreds, sticks, 

 and all appliances of that kind can be cut, and put aside 

 for future use. 



Dahlia roots and all roots of the kind which are put 

 by, should be occasionally looked over, to see that they 

 are safe from damp, mice, and other enemies. If the 

 weather be at all mild for the season snails and slugs 

 may be hunted for and destroyed. A few of these 

 destroyers killed early will save much killing later, and 

 killing is not pleasant work. 



Preparing composts, and setting them ready for future 

 use, is one good employment for January leisure. It is 

 well at this early season to settle in our own minds the 

 flowers which we wish to make our specialities in the 

 coming year, and to prepare for them by considering the 

 composts which they will require, and laying them up 

 ready. It is the more advisable to attend to this thus early 

 because cartage now, whenever there is not frost enough 



