CALENDAR OF MONTHLY WORK 503 



up at the base. Other Roses with fat shoots may be shortened a little to make them 

 more shapely, but must not be pruned until March. 



Vegetables. This work will be one of preparation for next season and protection 

 for later supplies. The same advice with regard to Cauliflower and Broccoli is more 

 necessary now than last month. Frost plays sad havoc with the tender flower ; it is 

 wise to lift those plants with heads of a fair size by their roots, and lay them together 

 rather closely in sheds or cellars, and use as desired. All vacant ground should now 

 be dug, and even in the smallest garden trenching should not be forgotten. If the soil 

 is very poor add manure liberally and double dig that is, placing the manure under 

 the first spit and digging the second, not bringing the latter to the surface; it is 

 merely deep digging and manuring at a depth of about 7 inches to 9 inches from the 

 surface. Artichokes should be lifted and clamped, like Potatoes, Turnips stored, and 

 Beetroot also. Carrots, if large, are hardy, but worms and slugs injure them in wet 

 soils. Seakale may be covered over, and leaves or warm litter used to start the crowns 

 into growth. Rhubarb may also be covered in this way, or lifted and forced in a 

 warm cellar. 



Fruit Garden. Though little can be done but what was advised last month, it is well 

 to complete the planting. Early planted trees may be nailed in their right places, and 

 others that need support in the way of stakes must be attended to without delay. De- 

 tach small twiggy shoots of Peach and Nectarine trees from the wall and by doing this 

 the wood is hardened by exposure. At the same time there is no better period of the 

 year to get rid of scale or other pests on wall trees. For the former a solution of 

 Gishurst compound, an old remedy but a safe and effective one, cannot be surpassed. 

 This syringed all over the trees, and .the wall thoroughly soaked, will kill the pest. 

 Mildew is also apt to reappear year after year, and Gishurst with sulphur in equal 

 proportions, is an excellent dressing. Trees in the open that are infested with American 

 blight should be painted over with Gishurst to which has been added soluble petroleum, 

 or the latter may be used alone. If petroleum in a soluble state is not handy, use half a 

 pound of soft soap to half a pint of petroleum, adding rain water to make it weaker, if 

 for syringing ; for use as a paint on the blight, use a paint brush and rub it in. 



DECEMBER 



Flower Garden. The last month in the year is a resting month. Get rid of all 

 decaying leaf matter, and whenever possible dig it in the open ground, as this feeds 

 and sustains root growth. Bulbs planted early in beds may be too forward ; if so, 

 protect -them wilh cocoanut fibre refuse or leaf-mould. All tender shrubs recently 

 planted will benefit by some loose litter being placed over the roots. Others loose 

 through high winds may be firmed with the heel, or the surface soil lightly rammed. 

 Creepers on walls may be trained, and old wood cut out. This applies more especially 

 to those kinds that bloom on the young wood. Prepare soil for future use, and select 

 seeds needed for another season. Choose the quarters by making a rough plan for 

 future use. 



Vegetables. Much the same advice holds good as for last month. Complete digging 

 if possible. Make use of old heaps of manure. Examine the root-store frequently, and 

 turn out decaying matter. Globe Artichokes do not winter well in many gardens. They 

 may be protected by placing fine ashes over the crown. This is better than litter ; the 

 latter in wet seasons often causes decay. Keep Potatoes as cool as possible. Asparagus 

 beds that need more surface soil may now with advantage receive any old compost, in 

 which a liberal portion of bone meal has been added. Place this on the beds, but all 

 weed growth should be cleared before giving new soil. In severe weather roots that are 

 stored may need more protection in the shape of long litter. 



Fruit Garden. Pruning will be the most important work needing attention at this 

 date. Wall trees should receive attention first, and especially Apricots, but here there 

 will be little to prune if stopping was carried out as advised. A few main shoots may 

 need regulating to replace losses. Remove old ties, and cut away the small spray made 

 late in the autumn. Peaches and Nectarines should be left until last, but these and 

 Apricots may with advantage have new soil or a surface- dressing, raking away the old 

 soil and giving new, to which has been added a good fertiliser. December is not the 

 best month, but there is more time for the work, which, if left later, is often overlooked. 

 Currants and Gooseberries should be pruned, but where birds are troublesome delay the 

 work and cover the trees with fresh lime and soot, when the shoots are damp. Old Apple 

 and Pear trees may be thinned out, removing all cross branches, but do not shorten 

 leading shoots. Figs on walls may need protection if the shoots are detached. Mat 

 them up until the spring. 



