io2 PRESENT-DAY GARDENING 



support immediately after planting ; small twigs of birch 

 placed round each plant will keep them from toppling 

 about, and shelter them somewhat from the wind. 



Spring-sown plants will naturally be somewhat shorter 

 than the others, and may not require staking until two or 

 three weeks have elapsed ; but if sticks or twigs are at hand 

 it is just as well to do them right away, and it will save 

 treading the ground over twice. If the plants have been 

 properly hardened previous to planting there is not the 

 slightest fear of injury by frost, as I have known instances 

 of from 15 to 20 of frost the night after planting, and 

 still the plants have not suffered ; the worst injury is not 

 caused by cold, but by wet weather and easterly winds. 

 After placing the short stakes, fork the ground over lightly 

 between the rows, and spread an old fish-net over the 

 whole patch ; this will protect the plants from birds and 

 the wind. 



If planting in clumps is preferred, each clump, of about 

 five or six plants, should not be less than 4 feet apart each 

 way, to allow plenty of room for staking and for getting 

 about among them. Other cultural conditions will be 

 exactly the same as for plants in rows. 



When the planting is done there will not be much else 

 needing attention for some little time, but strict observa- 

 tions must be maintained, and applications of soot made to 

 keep slugs from injuring the plants. Wireworm may cause 



