Cauliflower. 181 



Cover the bed with netting to keep off birds. If the sun shines 

 very strongly give shade in the middle of the day until the 

 seedlings are up well. During the next three weeks water 

 lightly at frequent intervals, to strengthen growth and keep 

 insect pests away. The next sowing should be made on a 

 similar bed in a cold frame. 



For the winter quarters of the plants prepare a bed in a 

 sheltered position. This should be raised from Gin. to 9in. 

 above the general level, so that it will be free from excessive 

 damp. Cover it with 2in. of coal ashes, beaten down firmly. 

 Stand shallow frames on this, and put inside each 3m. of fine 

 rich soil, which should be moist, so that no watering is required. 

 The plants should be pricked out here as soon as they can be 

 handled, about three weeks after sowing ; set them 3in. apart, 

 then put on the lights, and shade lightly for a few days. If the 

 soil is moist, as it should be, no watering will be required, and 

 they are better without, but if it is rather dry the plants must 

 be watered to give them a start. In a few days the roots will 

 begin to work, then raise the lights at each corner so that a 

 current of air can blow right through. The plants must be 

 grown as hardily as possible all through the winter, the frames 

 being kept fully ventilated during mild weather. Driving rains 

 must be excluded by keeping 

 the lights down on the wind- 

 ward side. In times of frost 

 the lights must be closed, 

 and when it is severe they 

 should be covered with mats 

 or litter. If the weather is 

 very mild and they are grow- 

 ing too freely, lift and trans- 

 plant a little further apart, 

 to give them more room and 

 a slight check. If white fly 

 attacks the plants dust them 

 over with soot occasionally. 



The first batch of plants is used to set out early in March in 

 any position in which they can receive protection for a few 

 weeks. Special efforts should be directed to obtaining good 



Copyright, V. A. & Co. 



Early Dwarf Erfurt. 



