SEASONAL REMINDERS 515 



Carrots. — Treat as advised for beets. 



Celery. — Dig up the stalks, leaving the roots on, and stand them 

 close together in a narrow trench, tops just even with the ground-level. 

 Gradually cover them with boards, earth, and manure. Another way- 

 is to set them upright upon the floor of a damp cellar or root-house, 

 keeping the roots moist and the tops dry. Celery can stand some 

 frost, but not exposure to less than 22° F. The stalks intended for 

 use before Christmas may in most localities be left outdoors, to be used 

 as wanted. Should cold weather set in early, they will need covering 

 in some way. Page 475. 



Orchard management. — Young trees should have a mound of earth 

 raised around the stem as a support and protection against mice, etc. 

 Small and lately planted trees may have stakes set beside them, and 

 be tied to the stakes with a broad band. Apple and pear trees may 

 yet be planted. Trim superfluous or unhealthy wood out of the old 

 orchards. 



Spinach. — Cover the beds lightly with leaves or litter before win- 

 ter sets in. 



Strawberries. — Soon it will be time to mulch the beds. Provide 

 marsh hay, or other coarse litter, free from weed-seeds, and when the 

 ground has frozen an inch or so, spread it all over the surface thinly 

 and evenly. 



DECEMBER 



Cabbages. — Plants in coldframes should be aired freely and kept 

 cool. Heads intended for winter and spring use, if not yet taken in or 

 protected from severe freezing, must now be cared for. Do not cover 

 them too deeply, nor store them in too warm a place. 



Carrots. — Store them in cellars or pits. If in cellars, keep the 

 roots covered with sand or sod, to prevent wilting. 



General garden management. ■ — Begin now to make your plans for 

 next season's work. Carefully study up the matter of rotation, also 

 that of feeding your crops in the most effective and economical manner. 

 Repair frames, sashes, and tools. Clear up the garden and premises. 

 Underdrain where needed. Beds for early vegetables should be thrown 

 up in high, narrow ridges, with deep furrows between. This will 

 enable you to plant them several days or weeks earlier than otherwise. 



