APRIL] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 341 



POTATOES. 



If omitted in the last month, plant potatoes in the beginning of 

 this, as directed on page 217. 



NASTURTIUM. 



The Tropdeolum majus, or large nasturtium, is very deserving of 

 cultivation, as well on account of the beauty of its large and nume- 

 rous orange-colored flowers, as their excellence in salads, and their 

 use in garnishing dishes. The green berries or seeds of this plant, 

 which it produces abundantly, make one of the nicest pickles that 

 can possibly be conceived ; in the estimation of many, they are supe- 

 rior to capers. 



There are, of the nasturtium, a major and minor kind; the former 

 being of a large running growth, and the most productive, is the 

 proper sort for the above purposes. 



A drill may be drawn for them as practised for peas, and the seeds 

 dropped therein, at the distance of two or three inches from one 

 another, and covered with earth near an inch deep. When the 

 plants are grown about six inches, they should have sticks placed to 

 them to run upon. Or they may be sown near hedges, fences, or 

 palings of any kind, on which they can climb and have support, for 

 they will always be more productive in this way than when suffered 

 to trail on the ground. 



LIQUORICE. 



The early part of this month is a very good season, in the middle 

 States, for planting liquorice. For its general culture, see page 



218, &c. 



SOWING OKRA. 



The Hibiscus esculenta, or okra. The green capsules of this plant 

 are an admirable ingredient in soups, and its ripe seeds, if burned and 

 ground like coffee, can scarcely be distinguished therefrom. Numbers 

 cultivate it for that purpose, and even say that it is much superior to 

 foreign coffee, particularly as it does not affect the nervous system 

 like the latter. 



Between the middle or latter end of this month, is a proper time 

 to sow the seed in the middle States ; and in the eastern States, the 

 early part of May ; or generally, it may be sown, with certainty of 

 success, at the time that Indian corn is planted. Draw drills about 

 an inch deep and four feet asunder, into which drop the seeds at the 

 distance of eight inches from one another, or rather drop two or three 

 in each place, lest the one should not grow, and cover them near an 

 inch deep. As they advance in growth, earth them up two or three 

 times as you do peas, and they will produce abundantly. Some plant 

 or sow them much thinner in the rows; but by the above method 

 you will have more in quantity and as good in quality. 



