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Gardening for Amateurs 



near the edge of the cloche, or the glass will 

 not cover them properly when they develop, 

 and they must not be put too near the 

 central plant, or this will not have sufficient 

 room in which to grow. Plants of the Cos 

 type are also set out in the open between the 

 cloches and will form a succession to those 

 that have been protected, and as the cloches 

 are emptied of the first crop, they are moved 

 as required over those that have been grow- 

 ing in the open ; thus these in their turn are 

 materially assisted and hastened forward for 

 market. In frosty weather the cloches need 

 protection, and this is afforded by means 

 of mats and dry straw litter, bracken, etc., 

 placed amongst them. The Cabbage variety 

 best suited for an early crop is Early French 

 Frame, and Romaine or Early French Cos 

 is one of the best for use under cloches. 

 Paris Market is a useful Cos Lettuce, and so 



is Paris White, but they are not so generally 

 or so usefully grown under cloches early in the 

 year ; they are more useful for planting on 

 warm banks or near the shelter of wall or 

 fence for providing a successional supply to 

 those grown under cover. 



Melon. The cultural needs of these are 

 somewhat similar to those of Cucumbers. 

 It is advisable to get the crop on the market 

 as early as possible, as late or mid-season 

 supplies meet with a good deal of competition, 

 and are apt to give low returns for really 

 fine fruit. The demand for Melons seems 

 to vary considerably, but the crop is a useful 

 one in that it can be used for frames which 

 otherwise would be unoccupied. Two plants 

 should be set out in each light, and two or 

 three fruits should be grown on each 

 plant. The female blossoms must be fer- 

 tilised as they open. Early in the season 



January. Make up beds of manure and 

 soil for the sowing and planting of sucessional 

 crops in frames. Sow Radishes, Carrots, 

 and Turnips, or plant Lettuces. A bed may 

 now be started for forcing Asparagus. 

 Batches of Seakale roots and Chicory roots 

 may be placed in darkness, and slight warmth 

 as required. 



February. Make up a second lot of 

 successional beds as advised for January. 

 Sow an early lot of Melons and Cucumbers 

 if sufficient heat can be maintained to keep 

 the young plants growing without check. 

 Towards the end of the month sow seeds of 

 an early variety of Tomato. 



March. Sow a further supply of Melons 

 and Cucumbers. Plant out more Lettuces 

 in frames and under cloches, and as the 

 latter are cleared place them over the 

 Lettuces growing outside. Thin out Carrots 

 and Turnips as needed. Sow a few seeds 

 of Vegetable Marrow in warmth, sufficient 

 to fill a few frames, if these can be spared. 

 Pot Melons and Cucumbers singly in small 

 pots. Sow a small amount of early Celery, 

 a white variety for preference. 



April. Gradually harden, by increased 

 ventilation, all crops growing in frames, to 

 allow the latter to be set at liberty as early 



WORK FOR THE YEAR 



as possible. If there are frames to spare, 

 plant out on hotbeds Melons and Cucumbers. 

 Place frames over Strawberry plants specially 

 grown for this purpose. Put straw between 

 the plants when the blossoms appear, and 

 protect the latter should frosts occur. 

 Celery can be planted out. 



May. Much care and labour are needed 

 in regard to watering and ventilation. If the 

 sun proves too strong, Cucumbers and Melons 

 must be slightly shaded. Attend constantly 

 to regulating the growths of Cucumbers, 

 and fertilise the female flowers of Melons. 

 Plant Tomatoes out under cloches early in 

 the month, one plant under each cloche or 

 handlight. 



June. Plant out another lot of Melons 

 and Cucumbers. Attend to watering, shad- 

 ing and ventilating. Another batch of 

 Celery should be planted for later use. Sow 

 a small quantity of Early Ruffec Endive seed 

 towards the end of the month. 



July. Sow Efarly Ruffec and Batavian 

 Endive. Make two sowings, one at the 

 beginning and another towards the end of 

 the month. Sow outside in a shaded position 

 and give water as required, or the seeds will 

 not germinate. Carrots may also be sown 

 this month to provide young roots during 



