218 FRENCH MARKET-GARDENING 



MAY 



Mean temperature of Soil at I ft. deep, 53. n. Air, 53. 54 

 (Paris 58). 



Lettuces. The last of the plants placed under cloches 

 in February will be ready this month. The first crop 

 will be ready for pulling. 



" Passion " Lettuces grown in cold frames or on 

 warm borders will be ready for cutting. 



Endives. If the weather is mild and moist, Endives 

 may be planted in the open ; and another sowing of 

 " Rouen " may be made on a hot-bed. 



Cauliflowers. These may be planted on the edges 

 of old beds that have borne a crop of Cos Lettuces. 

 Cauliflowers in frames with Carrots must be ventilated 

 both day and night, to harden them off. They must 

 be regularly watered. Early in the month the frames 

 and lights over these should be removed for Melons, 

 if the weather is fine. 



Tomatoes may be planted out under cloches this 

 month (see p. 61). 



Melons. Prepare trenches 2 ft. wide and i ft. deep, 

 and fill with two-thirds dry and one-third fresh 

 manure for making Melon beds. These are covered 

 with soil from trench in next bed. When Melons are 

 planted, the lights are placed on frames and kept close 

 and shaded for a few days (see p. 172). Early in the 

 month a final sowing of "Cantaloup Prescott" and 

 " Kroumir" may be made. 



Watering. This is an important operation. Abund- 

 ance must be given to Melons well set in fruit, and also 

 to Cauliflowers showing heads. 



Leeks. Make a sowing of " Long Winter Paris " to 



