GLOBE ARTICHOKES 151 



March so that frost and wind may penetrate it. Fork 

 over the surface at the end of the month and procure 

 suckers of a good variety. 



Planting should be done during the second week 

 in April, allowing a distance of three feet apart and 

 four feet between each row. Plant very firmly and 

 earth up with cinder ashes as a preventive against slugs, 

 and in dry weather mulch with long stable litter, 

 and water in. 



Give plenty of liquid manure when the plants are 

 in full bearing. If required for exhibition the Arti- 

 chokes should be perfectly fresh, close at the top and 

 of a good colour. 



When the Artichokes are wanted late in autumn 

 take heed of the weather and at the first sign of frost 

 protect with mats or similar material. The heads can 

 be cut quite ten days before the exhibition and placed 

 in water with a small portion of the stem removed 

 every other day and fresh water given. 



The best results are obtained by making fresh 

 plantations annually, and none of the old plants should 

 be allowed to occupy the ground for more than two 

 years. Take off young suckers every year during 

 autumn and pot them up into six-inch pots and winter 

 in a cold frame, or plunge the pots in leaves or ashes 

 in a sheltered position such as the foot of a south wall 

 where they may be protected during severe weather. 

 There are many varieties under cultivation, but by far 

 the best for all purposes is the Large Green Globe, 

 which is free from prickles, and more tender than many 



