Feb.] TPIE KITCHEN GARDEN. j^I 



three new shoots, some or all of which will most likely be fruitful; 

 anil after this, according as they advance in growth, train the run- 

 ners along in regular order, cut out casual very weakly vines, and 

 thin others where very irregularly crowded: thus, if the bed is well 

 managed, and the plants are forward, those of the cucumbers will 

 probably produce proper-sized fruit at the end of this month, or 

 beginning or middle of the next; but the melons not so soon by 

 six or eight weeks. — See next month. 



Of solving Cucumber and Melon Seed. 



As there may be many persons who did not begin last month to 

 so cucumbers for an early crop, it will here be proper to take 

 notice that the beginning, middle, or any time of this month is 

 still a good time to begin that work, making a hot-bed for sowing 

 the seed as directed in January, pages 12 and 13. 



Those which are sown early in this month, will, with good 

 management, produce fruit in the end of March, or beginning of 

 April; and those sown in the middle or latter end of the month 

 will have fruit in the end of April, and will bear plentifully in May. 



The beginning of this month is a very good time to sow melons 

 for a full crop in the frames. 



The seed hot-bed which is to be made now, either for cucumbers 

 or melons, must be of the same dimensions; and the seeds sown, 

 and plants managed as directed last month. 



But observe, that to be well supplied with cucumber or melon 

 plants, either to plant in new beds, or to have a reserve in case of 

 accidents happening to any already planted out, it will .be very 

 proper to sow some seeds at three different times this month. 



These may be sown in such cucumber hot-beds as are already 

 made and in cultivation, and when fit to prick out, plant them in 

 small pots as directed last month, which may be plunged in the back 

 part of the same bed, where they may be kept till wanted, either 

 for new, or to supply any deficiency in the present beds. 



Forcing Asparagus. 



Hot-beds for forcing early asparagus may be made any time this 

 month, for which purpose you must be provided with proper plants; 

 these are previously raised in the natural ground from seed, as 

 hereafter directed, which being transplanted from the seed-bed into 

 others duly prepared for their reception, and having two or three 

 years growth there, they then are of the proper size and Btrength 

 for forcing. But observe that in those parts of the Union where 

 the ground is subject at this season to be bound up by frost, pre- 

 vious precaution will be necessary, in order to secure a supply ol 

 plants when wanted for this purpose; therefore, before the setting 

 in of the severe winter frost, cover a sufficient number in the beds 

 wherein thev are growing, with as much dry litter or leaves ot 

 trees, &c. as will effectually keep the ground from being frozen, 

 so that you can remove it, and take up the plants conveniently 

 when wanted. 



Q 



