MAY] THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 395 



CAPSICUMS OR RED PEPPERS. 



Early in this month you may sow in a warm exposure, on a bed of 

 rich e%rth, seeds of the various kinds of capsicums which you desire 

 to cultivate ; the large heart-shaped kind is that which is more gene- 

 rally used for pickling; it is also the best flavored. The small Cay- 

 enne is good for vinegar. The plants from this sowing may be 

 planted out in rows about the first of June. 



The early plants raised in hot-beds should, in the middle States, 

 be planted out finally, as soon after the twentieth of this month as 

 moist or cloudy weather may occur ; the rows must be two feet or a 

 little better asunder, and the plants one foot distant fnom one an- 

 other; when planted give each some water, and afterwards keep the 

 ground free from weeds. 



You may, likewise, at this time, sow the seeds in drills at the 

 above distance, covering them about a quarter of an inch deep ; and 

 when grown an inch or two, thin them to proper distances; but as 

 they bear transplanting extremely well, it will be attended with less 

 trouble to raise them in the seed-bed, and afterwards plant them out. 



TOMATOES. 



Sow the seeds of tomatoes in the first week of the month, on a 

 warm sandy soil, either to remain for fruiting or for transplanting, 

 as directed on page 342. 



Plant out from the hot-beds about the middle of the month, or a 

 little later, if the season is not favorable, those plants which are for- 

 warded therein, and at the distances mentioned on page 342. Or 

 they may be planted close to palings or fences of any kind to which 

 they may be trained ; but a support of some kind will be necessary 

 in order to have them in the best perfection, and in abundant bear- 

 ing. 



EGG-PLANT. 



If omitted to sow the seed of the egg-plant last month, as there 

 directed, some should be sown in the first week of this, do a rich 

 warm border, to raise plants for planting out when about three or 

 four inches high, as directed on page 342. 



About the middle of this month, or soon after, according to the 

 season, you should plant out for fruiting the early plants of this kind 

 which were forwarded in hot- beds. A rich sandy soil is the most 

 suitable for them : the purple kind will require to be two feet and a 

 half asunder ; and for the white, two feet will be sufficient. As they 

 advance in growth, draw some earth to their stems in like manner as 

 to cabbage plants ; keep the ground about them clean, and you may 

 expect fine fruit. 



ENDIVE. 



Some endive may now be sown for an early crop; but at this sea- 

 son, it is very subject to run up to seed; however, when such is 



