98 FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



appear in about 10 days on the hot-bed, those in the 

 open air taking from 15 to 18 days to germinate in 

 May. 



When the young plants in the hot-bed have developed 

 their seed-leaves, they are potted up singly into small 

 pots and plunged in the hot-bed again. They are 

 lightly sprinkled and kept rather close for some time, 

 and are generally ready for planting in the open air 

 about the middle of May, or a little later according 

 to the weather. 



In the case of the plants raised in the open air, when 

 the seedlings are well developed all but the best one 

 in each little hole are destroyed. 



Whether the plants are raised in hot-beds or in the 

 open air, it is essential to have them in rows at least 

 4 ft., but if possible 5 ft. apart. In all cases the 

 young plants are placed in holes or trenches about a 

 foot deep. The soil should be deeply dug and heavily 

 manured in advance, the finest leaves being obtained 

 on a sandy or chalky clay. 



As the plants grow slowly at first the space between 

 them may be utilised for raising such quick crops as 

 Radishes, Carrots, Lettuces, Dwarf Beans, Spinach, 

 early Cabbages, etc. The soil in the meantime is kept 

 perfectly clean with the frequent use of the hoe, while 

 the Cardoons are supplied with an abundance of water 

 during the summer months. 



BLANCHING. This is essential. The leaf -stalks are 

 tied up in two or three places according to length, in 

 the same way as Celery, bearing in mind that the 

 fierce and sharp spines on the leaves are capable of 

 causing some trouble. To avoid being pricked with 

 the spines, a strong stake, with a piece of stout string 



