THE YOUNG FARMER'S ALMANAC 183 



MAY : Here is an old rule : " Plant first corn when the shadbush is 

 in full bloom, or when the leaves of the white oak are as large as a 

 mouse's ear." Plant and transplant for all you are worth, watching 

 always for vacant spots that will accommodate extra seedlings. Trans- 

 plant from the frames: beans plenty of them beets, corn, and 

 cucumbers. Melon and gourds may now be started. Thin out bravely. 

 Get the strawberry bed in shape. Spare some attention for the flower 

 beds. Plant such seeds as cosmos, mignonette, phlox, zinnia. Don't 

 forget to watch the beehives closely just now; the bees may swarm 

 at any time. 



JUNE : June provides work enough of all kinds to keep things hum- 

 ming. Lettuce, onions, early peas, spinach, kale, and rhubarb are ready 

 to gather. Fill the spaces with a second sowing. Continue faithfully 

 thinning, transplanting, and cultivating. Arrange a spring exhibit of the 

 products of the garden, and display at the same time the results of any 

 experiments that have been tried. This may be made a real event in 

 your neighborhood. Weed early and late. 



JULY : This is the month for planting some late vegetables ; cabbage 

 and corn are most popular. Sow lettuce in the vacant places. Prepare 

 the ground for winter turnips. Sow more turnips and carrots if you are 

 fond of them ; also a fresh supply of beans and beets. The end of July 

 is generally the driest time in the whole summer. 



AUGUST : In August keep ahead of the weeds. Plant late spinach. 

 Sow lettuce once more. Thin the turnips and parsley. Take out the 

 early potatoes. Put aside the medium-sized potatoes for " seed." Dry 

 them in piles in the sun. Plant in their place winter spinach. Prepare 

 for the autumn exhibit of fruits and flowers. Label a few of the hand- 

 somest flowers to save for seed. Keep the rest of the flowers well 

 picked. Write the records of the year. Show profit and loss. 



The march of the seasons brings to the school gardener a 

 problem which the market gardener does not have to confront. 

 This is the break, the chasm it may rightly be called, made 

 by the long summer holidays. For the welfare of school 

 gardens these holidays come at just the wrong time. How to 

 bridge this period is a puzzle indeed. Some teachers admit 

 that they are quite helpless in the solution of the matter, and 

 merely compromise as best they may by planting only those 



