HOME GROWN VEGETABLES 155 



after the plants are well above ground ; and a third time after thin- 

 ning. 



Mint During Winter 



Q. How can I obtain a supply of Mint during winter ? Chester. 



A. Procure some boxes in which holes have been made for drain- 

 age, cover these with a large layer of leaves or short straw, 

 then a layer of soil on top ; next lift some of the roots from the 

 beds, shake off most of the old soil, then place them in boxes 

 as close together as possible, covering them with 1 inch or so of 

 soil. Any old potting soil will do. Give a good watering, after 

 which place in a warm house. The roots will soon begin to pro- 

 duce an abundance of nice green shoots. In place of boxes, if so 

 desired, pots may be substituted, and will often be found more 

 convenient, especially where only a very small quantity is required. 

 As there is often a demand for Mint before it comes on under 

 natural conditions, this method of forcing is particularly handy, since 

 it entails little or no trouble beyond a plentiful supply of moisture. 



"When and How to Form an Asparagus Bed 



Q. Can you tell me the best time to plant Asparagus, and how 

 to begin to form a bed ? S. A. G., Devon. 



A. The best tim to plant Asparagus is during the month of 

 April. Trench the ground in the autumn, and put in plenty of 

 manure if the soil is poor in quality. Form low beds with shallow 

 alleys between if the soil is light, and if it be heavy raise the beds 

 6 inches. Put out the plants in rows 15 inches apart, and 9 inches 

 from plant to plant in the rows. 



Tomato Fruits not Setting 



Q. Can you tell me why the fruits fail to form on my Tomato 

 plants in the greenhouse 1 They bloom well, but instead of setting 

 the flowers fall off. Anxious, llije. 



A. The soil most probably needs a liberal dressing of lime. Do 

 not plant Tomatoes in it again at least for a year. Instead of plant- 

 ing them in the border, plant them in boxes, tubs, or pots, using 

 new soil, of course, and place them on the border. You will get 

 quite as heavy crops ; at least, you will not be troubled with flowers 

 falling. To prevent the further falling of your flowers we strongly 

 advise you to give more air on warm days, leaving a little on also 

 at night, and if possible have a little warmth in the hot water pipes 

 at night. 



