CABBAGES FOR SPRING 95 



be 1 6 or 18 in. apart and the plants in them 16 to 

 20 in. asunder. 



Planting, of course, is done in mild weather, many 

 growers preferring to use the trowel for the purpose 

 instead of the dibber. If possible a good watering 

 is also given after planting to settle the soil nicely 

 round the roots of each plant. 



In cold or bleak localities the soil on the south side 

 of the rows is drawn up carefully to the lower leaves 

 of the plants, thus making a protecting bank so that 

 the plants shall not suffer from quick thawings after 

 a severe frost, or from the effects of a fall of snow. 

 Some growers even go to the trouble during very 

 severe frosts to cover their Cabbages with litter, or 

 the straw from a manure heap, bracken, or anything 

 else that is light and handy. Short dry manure may 

 also be worked in between the rows, as still further 

 protection against severe frosts and subsequent 

 thawings. 



During the spring months the plants are hoed well, 

 and at the same time the mould is drawn up carefully 

 about the stems. This not only serves as a protection 

 for the plants, but it also helps them to resist strong 

 winds and at the same time encourages the development 

 of still more roots from the joints. From March 

 onwards, if the weather is at all genial, a good watering 

 now and then will be beneficial if the rains have not 

 already made the soil sufficiently damp. When the 

 plants are well-established, a little nitrate of soda 

 about I Ib. to every 40 square yards may be sprinkled 

 over the soil, and afterwards worked in with the hoe. 



Cabbages grown in the way described commence 

 to turn in on the warm, sheltered borders during April 



