THE DAWN OF SPRING 



of Shallots may be sown now, but the crop will not be March 

 ready until the following year. 16-31 



Tomatoes. — Plants raised from seed sown a few weeks 

 ago may now be three to four inches high, with a pair, 

 or perhaps two pairs, of cut leaves. They should be 

 set about five inches apart in boxes, or put singly in 

 small pots, and given a light, airy position, so that they 

 may keep sturdy. A flower stake may be put to them 

 when they need support. The tips should not be 

 stopped, but every little side shoot which forms on the 

 main stem, in the socket of the leaf stalk, should be 

 nipped out directly it is large enough to be caught 

 between finger and thumb. Seed may be sown in a 

 frame or greenhouse now, to yield plants for the main 

 crop. Sunrise is a good variety. 



Turnips. — Fortnightly outdoor sowings may be made 

 henceforth, if a succession of roots is wanted. The 

 seed may be sown broadcast in a spare plot, or in 

 rows between Peas, in drills half an inch deep, covered 

 and promptly rolled or well trodden. Protect with 

 threads or netting to keep birds off, and thin the 

 seedlings early. Snowball and Veitch's Red Globe are 

 good varieties. The former may be chosen for present 

 and the latter for later sowings. 



Vegetable Marrows. — Seed may be sown now for the 

 main crop. One seed will be enough for a small pot. 

 The pots should go into a hot-bed frame or heated 

 greenhouse. Long White and Pen-y-Byd are good 

 varieties, but if early fruit is wanted, the Bush should be 

 chosen. 



The Garden in March— A Resume March 



March is the dawn of the gardening year. Vegeta- Resume 

 tion becomes active. Trees and shrubs break into 

 165 



