152 GARDENING DIFFICULTIES SOLVED 



carried out. February is the best time to plant the bulbs out, and a 

 sheltered position in a rich soil should be chosen for them. So long 

 as the soil is in a rich and fertile condition you need not add any 

 more manure. Care should be taken to tie up the flower stalks, 

 each to a stake, as soon as support is needed. The time to harvest 

 depends upon the condition of the seed vessels ; thus, as soon as they 

 begin to turn brown and to burst open, the heads should be cut off 

 and dried in the sun. Afterwards place them in paper bags and 

 suspend them from the roof of a cool and dry shed. The seed is 

 readily cleaned, and may be kept for a season or two, but it cannot 

 be depended upon afterwards. 



Forcing Rhubarb 



Q. Will you please tell me how to proceed to force Rhubarb? 

 M. K., Dartford. 



A. Rhubarb is one of the easiest of vegetables to force, and any 

 structure having a temperature ranging from 55 to 60 may be 

 used for the purpose ; or the roots may be covered in the open 

 air with boxes 2 feet in height, having lids, and sufficiently wide 

 to accommodate the crowns. Rhubarb pots, too, are often used. 

 They may be bought at any pottery, and with care will last for 

 years. The easiest method of forcing Rhubarb is to lift some strong 

 roots and plant them in large pots or boxes, and place them under 

 glass ; or the roots may be set moderately close together upon 

 the ground, and covered with soil 2 inches above the crowns. Then 

 give them a thorough soaking with water, to settle the soil among 

 the roots. Afterwards, too, when in active growth, they must be 

 well supplied with water, or the stems will be tough and stringy 

 Any structure will suit Rhubarb, provided it has a warm, moist 

 temperature. A forcing pit heated with hot water is, however, 

 the best place for it where required in large quantities and of the 

 very best quality. When forced in the open garden underneath 

 pots or boxes, a heap of warm manure must be placed round each 

 box. Where not forced, some long litter placed over the crowns 

 early in spring will encourage early growth, when a few dishes 

 may be had before the general crop comes into use. 



Useful Winter Vegetables 



Q. Could you give a list of useful winter vegetables with concise 

 cultural directions 1Amery, Leeds. 



A. From a May sowing on a piece of good ground, and treated 



