CHAPTER XI. 

 FRENCH GARDEN. PREPARATION. 



The Beginning of the Gardener's Year When Material should be 

 Obtained Situation Outbuildings Drainage Wireworm How to 

 Prepare the Soil How to Prepare Compost for Topping Beds 

 Manure : The Kind to Use, When to Get it, and How to Stack it. 



THE French gardener's year begins in September, when 

 seed is sown for the lettuce and cauliflower plants which 

 are wintered in frames and under cloches, and by that time all 

 the preparatory work should be either completed or in a very 

 forward condition. For this reason work on the land should 

 be commenced in the previous spring. 



The lights, wood for frames, and straw for mats should be 

 obtained in the previous winter, so that no opportunity shall 

 be lost of getting these appliances ready -for use. Cloches 

 should be ordered by June at latest, otherwise the numerous 

 orders for autumn delivery may prevent their being received 

 in time ; it would be a serious matter if either cloches or frames 

 were not at hand when wanted for seedlings in the autumn. 



The situation and aspect of the garden and the quality of the 

 soil have been fully dealt with in previous chapters, and it is 

 expected that the points there emphasised have received due 

 attention. It is presumed also that the garden is, as it ought 

 to be, either adjoining or within a short distance of the house 

 of the gardener, so that the plants may receive immediate 

 attention in any emergency. Close by there should be a roomy 

 well-lit shed where vegetables can be washed and packed, tools 

 and stores locked up, and the necessary work of making and 

 mending performed when it is unfit to work in the open. If 

 such a building does not exist, one should be erected. 



If the soil is naturally well-drained that will be an important 

 point secured at the outset, but if there is any doubt whatever 

 about this matter drainage must be the first thing to receive 

 attention, as success would be impossible on cold, inert, water- 

 logged land. If the soil is heavy neither time, trouble or ex- 

 pense should be spared to ensure good drainage. 



