I89I. 



POPULAR GARDENING. 



99 



LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN. 



Annuals. Many of these may be sown in moderate 

 heat before end of the month. ^Vmong them fialsamsii. 

 Cockscombs, Globe Amaranths, Portulaccas, Phloxes, 

 Stocks, Cobfea, also all those named under House Plants. 

 At the south the hardier ones of these may be sown 

 out doors. 



Beddins Plants. Estimates of what will be needed 

 to be made now, and stock propagated or contracted 

 for at an early opportunity. If no other means of 

 propagation are at command, a good hot-bed made 

 last of the month will answer very well. 



La^crns need agood dressing of fertilizer every second 

 or third year. Fine old compost Is perhaps unexcelled 

 for the purpose, but rank, i-aw manure is objectionable, 

 on account of both odor and looks. In place of It we 

 would advise the use of bone dust and wood ashes, or 

 some good complete fertilizer. A special lawn dress- 

 log may be made by composting dry swamp muck 

 with ashes and bone dust, or potash salts in place of 

 the ashes. 



Mice are apt to do much damage by girdling hedges 

 and trees If allowed. This can be prevented by 

 promptly tramping down the snow near the endan- 

 gered growths soon after every snow fall. 



Pansies are indispensable as spring-fiowering plants 

 for the border. Fall-sown plants are best, but If such 

 are not at hand, sow seed In moderate heat. 



FlanniniE for next season's operations is now in 

 order. Decide what has to be done beforehand, and 

 have every thing ready when the time of actual work 

 arrives. 



Requisites. Labels, stakes and other articles needed 

 in garden and on lawn next season, should be made. 



Pruning. Hedges of deciduous kinds to be pruned 

 during mild days. At the south nearly all shrubs may 

 now be pruned, while for the north several weeks 

 later will do very well. The shrubs that bear their 

 bloom on new wood, such as Roses, Althaeas, late- 

 flowering Spiraeas, Burning Bush, Hardy HyUrangeas 

 etc., may be cut back (juite severely at this season with 

 good results. Do not use the knife now on shrubs that 

 bear their flowers on the old wood, except when neces- 

 sary for the improvement of general shape. Severe 

 pruning In this case would simply reduce the amount 

 of bloom. After the flowering season is the proper 

 time for thorough pruning of such growths. 



PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. 



BeEonias. Start the tuberous-rooted ones that were 

 wintered In pots, giving fresh, rich soil somewhat 

 later, fot the plants wintered out of pits. Sow seed 

 for the summer-flowering plants. 



Carnations. Flowering plants to be kept well 

 staked and tied. Strike cuttings for plants for next 

 winter bloom. The young plants need plenty of air 

 later on for robust growth. 



Cinerarias to be watered regularly, and given con- 

 siderable air; this will bring out fine foliage, which 

 for greatest beautj- Is as indispensable as good flowers. 

 Do not crowd the roots. 



General Manaeement. See that plants have all the 

 room needed for best development and appearance. 

 Carefully map out your next season's work. Order pots 

 and other lequisites needed, to insure their presence 

 when wanted. Clean all the pots once used before 

 new plants are put Into them. Air and water must be 

 given more freely now. No plant should be allowed 

 to become dr>' at the roots, nor should the soil be kept 

 at all times in mud like condition. Fumigate with 

 Tobacco twice a week, or keep small troughs flUed 

 with strong Tobacco tea on the heating pipes right 

 along, as a preventative rather than cure for green 

 fly. Perseverance In this work alone can keep the 

 plants from contamination by this pest. Earth worms 

 may be destroyed by soaking the soil with lime water. 



Hyacinths and other Dutch bulbs in bloom need 

 plenty of sun, air and water. 



Insects. For green fly use Tobacco, either In the 

 ways mentioned, by scattering moistened stems upon 

 soil under and around the plants, or by spraying with 

 Tobacco tea. For red spider In houses of high heat 

 syringe dally; otherwise the pest will increase rapidly! 

 Hand picking, washing or brushing are best remedies 

 for mealy bug and scale. 



Mignonette. Plants for spring bloom to be kept 

 near the glass. Sow seed for later flowering. 



Felarsonianis should be freely but not over abund- 

 antly watered in warm clear days. Give them light, 

 rich soil, free airing and moderate pot room. 



Poinsettias when done blooming to be dried olT, 

 then placed Into a cool place. 



Potting. At flrst sign of root formation all cuttings 

 should be promptly and firmly potted ofl: in small pots, 

 and In light, rich fresh soil. In repotting or shifting 

 plants, when pots larger than of six Inch size are used, 

 a layer of broken crocks or gravel should be put In the 

 bottom for drainage, and this may again be covered 

 with a layer of Sphagnum or hay to prevent clogging. 



Propagation. Encourage the growth of summer- 

 blooming plants, such as Geraniums, Verbenas, Helio- 

 tropes, etc., and strike cuttings as fast as desired, or 

 growth permits. 



Roses. The thriftiest wood of recent growth Is best 

 for making cuttings. When put in they must not be 

 allowed to suffer either from lack nor from excess of 

 water. 



Seed Sow^ing. See annuals under House Plants. 



Stove Plants. A general overhauling now or a little 

 later will prove of advantage. Cut back plants that 

 have been blooming during winter. When new growth 

 starts shift or top-dress. Plants now in flower should 

 not be given water overhead. 



Verbenas to be kept near the glass, and given plenty 

 of air. To encourage new thrifty growth, repot In rich, 

 fibrous, new earth, and give occasional doses of weak 

 manure water. 



FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD. 



Cions for grafting may yet be cut if done at once. 

 They should be tied in bundles, properly labelled, and 

 burled in sand in the cellar, or packed in moist moss. 



Carrants may be pruned by cutting out part or all 

 of the old wood. 



Grapes. Pruning may yet be done on mild days, 

 but the earlier this is llnlshed the better. Manure and 

 other fertilizers— bone-dust and potash salts being best 

 In most cases— may be applied at any time. Procure 

 the posts and wire needed for the trellises; also deckle 

 on the sprayer you wish to use, and order early. 



Orchards In need of fertilizer may be given dressing 

 of barnyard manure, bone-dust, kainlt, ashes or what- 

 ever is available for the purpose. Wood-ashes are 

 probably unsurpassed as an orchard fertilizer. In 

 many places unleached hard-wood ashes can be col- 

 lected In the neighborhood at ten cents or so a bushel 

 and thej' are worth fully twice that much. 



Pruning can be done on mild days , Plum trees If at 

 all, should be pruned at once. Cut the new growth of 

 straggling growers back one-third or one-half. This 

 will thin the crop, and prevent Injury to the tree from 

 overbearing and breakage. Peaches may be treated 

 about the same way. Always avoid cutting large 

 limbs unless they are dead or diseased. Where two 

 branches try to occupy the place where one is sufficient 

 remove one. In a general way. when pruning, try to 

 provide for the convenience of the fruit gatherer. 



Recording Maps. It Is a gieat satisfaction to know 

 the name of every fruit in the orchard, or every variety 

 of berry in the patch. But labels are liable to be lost, 

 or become illegible. Always keep strict record of the 

 plantings, and this Is best done by means of a large 

 map of the orchard and fruit garden. Write down the 

 name of every variety In its proper place. 



Raspberry and Blackberry patches may be ma- 

 nured, the old wood removed, arrangements made for 

 trellises, etc. 



Root grafting may yet be done. Bury the grafted 

 stocks in sand in the cellar. It has been found that the 

 flrst two cuts of Apple stocks make good trees. There 

 is grave doubt, however, whether the third cut (end 

 piece) can be depended upon as a suitable stock. No 

 root should be cut in more than three pieces. 



Strawberry patches should be occasionally visited 

 and mulch replaced where blown away. Plants show- 

 ing tendency to heave out as the ground thaws, may be 

 settled again by setting one's foot fair and square 

 upon theai. 



VEGETABLE GARDEN. 



Cabbage. Plants In cold frame to be freely aired In 

 all suitable weather. It Is of greatest Importance that 

 they be properly hardened off by the time they are to 

 go Into open ground next month. Where plants for 

 earliest crop have to be grown In hot-bed or greenhouse, 

 seed should be sown latter part of this month. 



Cauliflower. Plants to be treated as described for 

 Cabbage plants. 



Hot-beds may be made this month for raising Cab- 

 bage, Cauliflower. Lettucft and early Tomato plants, 

 also for forelug Radishes and other early vegetables. 

 If moderate but lasting bottom heat Is wanted, use 

 clear droppings niixed.wlth its own bulk of dry leaves, 

 and if these have been used as bedding and absorbent 

 In the stables, all the better. Provide the needed mats 

 or shutters. The soil should be porous, sandy loam 

 and fine manure tliroughly mixed. Leaf mould or 

 thoroughly rotted hops may be added in place of the 

 compost. The layer of soil on top of the heating manure 

 should be five or six inches In depth. 



Implements, hammers, wagons, etc., to be inspected, 

 and repaired where needed. Good tools are great 

 labor savers. Study up latest improvements and In- 

 ventions, and purchase what you want in good season. 



Manure heaps to be forked over occasionally. Con- 

 tinue hauling to the fields, spreading at once. 



Onions. For a trial of our "New Onibn Culture," 

 begin sowing seed at end of month, making the rows 

 about four inches apart, and sowing about an ounce of 

 seed to the sash. Use some of the larger kinds. Prize- 

 taker, Spanish King, White Victoria, perhaps White 

 Globe. 



Parsnips to be dug on a warm day, and prepared for 

 use or market. 



Radishes. Sow the early Turnip-rooted kinds In 

 hot-bed. in rows three or four Inches apart. 



Salsify. See under Parsnips. 



Seeds. Make out a list of what you need, and order 

 at once from some reliable seedsman. As soon as re- 

 ceived lest the vitality of each package. Be sure you 

 are right, then go ahead. 



Tomatoes. For earliest crop sow the early market 

 sorts— Early Ruby, King of Earlies, etc.— In strong hot- 

 bed. Also Egg Plant and Peppers. 



Ventilating greenhouses, hot-beds and cold frames 

 is one of the most important duties at this time. When 

 the sun shines brightly, the sash should be raised, or 

 at least slightly shaded during a cold wind. Plants 

 are easily scorched under closed sash on a bright day, 

 and just as easily injured by a cold wind passing over 

 them when sash are open. The gardener has need 

 of exercising good judgment. 



FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER 

 GLASS. 



Asparagus. The growing plants to be given plenty 

 of water. 



Cucumbers. Plants should be encouraged to make 

 strong growth before fruiting. Then hill up lightly 

 with good porous soil. After fruit has set, stop the 

 vine a joint beyond the fruit. 



Figs. Plants in good growth need plenty of water 

 at this time. Syringe freely, also thin out weak shoots. 



Grapes, in houses now being started keep the tem- 

 perature rather below rio** Fahr. at flrst. Syringe twice 

 a day; and when young growth appears give air on 

 mild days. Vines In early houses should be kept well 

 thinned. Disbud the laterals. Indiscriminate syring- 

 ing is not allowable after blooming. Moisten wall 

 and path well to keep down red spider, but also guard 

 against excessive dampness which might bring on 

 mildew. 



Lettuce does well under glass from now on. Ventilate 

 freely In mild weather. A night temperature of 45*^ is 

 about right. Keep out green fly hy fumigating with 

 Tobacco stems, or by placing cut Tobacco stems upon 

 the soil around the plants. Water freely on the morn- 

 lug of bright days. Evaporating sulphur will keep 

 mildew In check. 



Rhubarb to be brought In for succession. 



THE POULTRY YARD. 



Market Foaltry Attractively. lu marketlDg 

 poultry a neatly dressed carcasss is half sold. 

 Bleed in the mouth, dry-pick, draw every feather, 

 wash feet and head to remove dirt and blood, 

 and pack in a clean box, basket or barrel.— Farm 

 Journal. 



Try Plum Trees in Your Poultry Yard. Any 

 one will notice how hard the soil in a poultry 

 enclosure soon becomes, almost as hard and 

 smooth as stone. Few trees will stand this except 

 the Plum. Under such circumstances it grows 

 with surprising vigor and productiveness. 



To Prevent Colds. A piece of assafoetida, about 

 the size of a hazel nut tied in a piece of muslin 

 and put in the drinking water, will serve as a 

 splendid safeguard against colds— the forerun- 

 ners of distemper, roup, etc. There is nothing 

 like prevention, and if this remedy is used in 

 change of season, or damp weather, it works 

 miracles,— Germantown Telegraph. 



How to Raise Sucks. As soon as they come 

 off the nest shut the old one In a coop, allowing 

 the young to run at pleasure if the weather is 

 dry. Feed meal, bread, milk, etc., three times a 

 day, and supply water in a shallow vessel. Never 

 allow a young duck's back to get wet, and always 

 keep them indoors. Otherwise ducks are very 

 hardy, and return lots of thanks tor any kiud*- 

 ness shown. 



Winter Vermin. Lice will worry the hens in 

 winter as well as in summer, but the kinds that 

 exist in the cold season remain on the body, and 

 not on the walls of the house. The mink and his 

 kind can be kept out by allowing no places for 

 entrance. The rat is the worst enemy, especially 

 if there are chicks hatched, and a trap and a 

 good rat dog will be most effective. The cat 

 needs watching, as she, too, may do damage when 

 supposed to be a friend.— Mirror and Farm. 



Sort Out Your Breeders. After dividing up 

 your flock with careful selection set apart the 

 males and iemales you wish to retain for breed- 

 ing. The main reason why so many flocks run 

 down and out, is because little judgment is ex- 

 ercised in the selection of fresh, healthy young 

 stock after each season's breeding. The time to 

 select is when the birds are growing, and show- 

 ing their good points with development. One 

 cannot expect to keep up the general vigor of 

 the flock unless one gives close and strict atten- 

 tion to this matter, and add an occasional fresh 

 male from new blood. 



Winter Treatment of Poultry. Keep some 

 Cabbage heads hung up where the fowls can eat 

 alJ they want. No danger of their eating too 

 much green food when it is kept by them all the 

 time. If you cannot get Oabbages, chop up 

 Apples, Turnips, Carrots, etc. jf they don't 

 take kindly to the chopped raw vegetables, 

 sprinkle the vegetables with corn meal. Some- 

 times cut some rowen tine, steam it by pouring 

 boilmg water over it, and covering the pail for a 

 time. This is the next best thing 10 green grass. 

 Ml the sweepings from the barn floor, chafl:, etc., 

 would go into the poultry bouse for the hens to 

 pick over. Keep hung against the side of the 

 bouse, within easy reach ot the fowls, a box con- 

 taining gravel and crushed oyster shells (make 

 the box long and rather narrow, with a partition 

 in the middle, putting the shells in one side, the 

 gravel on otherj, and that box should be filled up 

 regularly every week. Then fowls should have 

 drink by them all the time if possible; if not 

 give them drink regularly twice a dav.— Orange 

 .ludd Farmer- 



