THE GARDEN WEEK BY WEEK 



July fact, worse than useless, because the plants are liable to 

 I~I5 become affected by mildew, and to contaminate succes- 

 sional rows. The haulm should be cut off close to the 

 surface of the soil and carried to the rubbish heap. The 

 roots may be left, as they will help to fertilise the soil. 

 The ground may be planted with Celery, Leeks, Cauli- 

 flowers, or winter Greens. 



Early Potatoes. — Early varieties of Potatoes will now, 



or soon, be ready for use. When the foliage begins to 



turn yellow the tubers are ready. Needless to say many 



growers, in their eagerness for an early dish of "new 



Potatoes," lift while the tops are 



still green, and a lively imagination 



may enable the amateur to declare 



that the flavour is delicious. The 



ground cleared of Potatoes may be 



utilised in the same way as that from 



which Peas have been removed, or 



sown with Turnips. 



Attention for Tomatoes. — Outdoor 

 plants will now be growing strongly, 

 and have set fruit on the lower 

 trusses probably. Four or five 

 bunches will be enough for each 

 plant to carry. When the plant has 

 reached the top of its stake, or, in the 

 case of plants growing against a wall 

 or fence, four feet high, the tip may 

 be pinched off. All side shoots 

 should be nipped off as fast as they 

 form. If the soil is shallow and 

 poor, liquid manure may be used 

 when the fruit is half-swollen up, but it is not likely 

 to be needed in deep, fertile ground. 

 282 



Fig. 49.— Pruning 

 Tomatoes. 



a Side shoots to be cut 



off as denoted by the 



dark lines. 

 /'. The point of the main 



stem which must also 



be cut off. 



