CHAPTER XXIV 



Calendar of Operations 



THE suggestions for the work for the various months must always 

 of course be merely approximate. Seasons govern land op- 

 erations; latitude and altitude have also a wonderful influence 

 on the climatology of a given place. We furnish two calendars, one 

 as a guide to work to be done in the Northern and Middle States, 

 and the other in the South, or say south of a line drawn through 

 Richmond, Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; and the Southern 

 Mississippi. 



Prof. J. W. Lloyd, of the University of Illinois, in his book on 

 Vegetable Growing, makes three sections, the Central, Northern and 

 Southern, and says that while no absolute boundaries can be ascribed, 

 still one merges into another in a general way. For example, the ter- 

 ritory lying between 37 and 42 deg. parallels of latitude may be con- 

 sidered as essentially Central, while the area north of the 42 deg. 

 may be considered Northern, and that South of the 37 parallel 

 Southern. These boundries refer only to relatively low elevations, 

 and do not apply in the high altitudes of mountainous regions. 



In regard to the Calender for the South, it is a pretty safe rule to 

 do land operations one week later for ever 100 miles north. In this 

 case the writer has made Southern Maryland his base. 



Calendar for Middle and Northern States 



JANUARY 



This is the month for planning ahead. Look over the altera- 

 tions to the garden, the purchase of new plants and stock. It is also 

 the month for the ordering of early seeds, and for looking over catalogs. 

 Pruning of some outdoor shrubs may be done (see Pruning, p. 185) 

 as well as of fruit trees, if the weather allows. Keep snow from speci- 

 men evergreens. 



Give air to cold frames wherever the temperature is well above 

 the freezing point. Take Asparagus and Rhubarb to greenhouse for 

 forcing, and place them under the stages. Sow Lettuce, Cauliflower, 

 Cabbage, Onion and Leek under glass. 



FEBRUARY 

 Sweet Peas may be sown in pots in the greenhouse or in frames 



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