August The Gardener's Holiday 



In the Greenhouse 



Now is the time to sow seeds of various annuals 

 for cultivation in pots under glass. They will pro- 

 vide a welcome display in spring. Some of the most 

 suitable are Mignonette, Clarkia, Schizanthus, Erysimum, 

 Salpiglossis, and Winter Stocks. The seeds are sown 

 thinly in boxes, and several seedlings are subsequently 

 grown in a 5, 6, or 7 -inch pot. Mignonette is best sown 

 in the pots in which it will bloom. 



The buds of Chrysanthemums ought to be "taken' 

 this month ; the work consists in removing the little 

 shoots beneath the buds to be preserved. Freesia, 

 Lachenalia, Roman Hyacinth, Paper White Narcissus, 

 and Due Van Thol Tulips if potted now will provide 

 flowers in winter and early spring. 



In the Kitchen Garden 



In some districts the first fortnight in August is the 

 favourite time to sow Cabbage for spring use. It is wise 

 to sow late in July, and again the first or second week in 

 August, for some of the seedlings may " bolt " to seed. 

 Care should be taken to keep the seed-bed moist and to 

 transplant the seedlings before they become crowded. 



A further sowing of Prickly Spinach and Lettuce for 

 winter supplies may now be made. Of Cos Lettuce the 

 Black-seeded Cos is reliable, and of Cabbage varieties All 

 the 5Tear Round. Cauliflower seed sown now will provide 

 plants for putting out of doors in April, to ensure an 

 early supply. They must be protected during winter or 

 be placed in a frame. Mid-season varieties of Potatoes 

 are now ready for lifting and will be better out of the 

 ground. 



The tops of spring sown Onions which are still green 



should be bent over, to assist in the ripening of the bulbs. 



These are lifted towards the end of the month, and placed 



on a sunny walk or, if the weather is wet, in a frame to dry. 



R 257 



