November Autumn Work for Summer 



In the Kitchen Garden 



The grower of vegetables may rest upon his laurels 

 to a very large extent this month, so far as outdoor 

 work is concerned, though he would be wise to make 

 plans for next year's crops by deciding upon the kinds 

 and varieties to be grown, and by planning out the 

 available space ; thus a proper rotation of crops can 

 be practised. The garden fire ought to be kept going 

 merrily, so that all rubbish and dead and decaying leaves 

 can be burnt. Needless to say, vacant land should be 

 thrown up roughly into the form of ridges ; frost, wind, 

 snow and rain will then do an immense amount of good, 

 and, at the approach of spring, the soil will crumble to a 

 fine tilth at the touch of fork and spade, and will be in 

 excellent condition for sowing. Ground that is not dug 

 during winter dries slowly in spring, and, consequently, is 

 more difficult to get into proper condition for cropping. 



Readers possessing light soil might well make a 

 sowing of Broad Beans for an early gathering, choosing 

 one of the Longpod varieties. Peas, too, may be sown 

 on similar kind of land. On heavy ground it is scarcely 

 wise to attempt either crop now, for many of the 

 seedlings will be lost during winter. 



The Globe Artichoke is not a particularly hardy vege- 

 table, and it is wise to afford some protection by placing 

 bracken or straw round the base of the plants, having first 

 cut down the old stems. It is important not to cover 

 the centre or heart of the plant, or decay may set in. 



Seakale can now be forced by lifting a few roots (the 

 leaves having been removed) and placing them in boxes 

 of soil in a warm and dark place, such, for example, as 

 beneath the greenhouse stage if no better position offers. 

 It is essential that they be kept in the dark, or the 

 produce will not be of the best quality. Rhubarb may 

 be similarly treated, though darkness is not so necessary 

 in this case. 



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