166 SUGGESTIONS FOR GARDEN WORK BY MONTHS 



garden plant seeds now of parsnips, salsify, and carrots. Freezing 

 improves the parsnips and salsify, and carrots will endure some 

 freezing. 



Did you ever start sweet potatoes by making cuttings from old 

 vines? If not, try it this month. They will grow readily if well 

 watered. They may yet produce a crop before frost. 



If the late celery crop has not been transplanted to the open 

 garden, this is a good time to do it. Make the rows about four 

 feet apart and set the plants four to ten inches apart according to 

 the variety. 



Look over the whole garden for insect pests and plant diseases. 

 Be sure to prevent damage from these sources. A hand sprayer 

 with a few spray materials may be all that is necessary to save 

 valuable crops. 



Flowers. — This is a good month in which to enjoy the blossoms 

 of many of the beds, but remember that work is necessary for 

 future blooming. Keep the plants growing well for the sake of 

 future blooms. 



This is a good month to look for flower seeds. Save all kinds in a 

 separate paper or envelope and label them properly. Seeds of 

 cyclamen, primroses, and cineraria may be started in beds where 

 they can be easily protected and cared for. These should be 

 ready to transplant to the window boxes or pits for fall and winter 

 blossoms in-doors. 



Do not allow insect pests to defoliate the roses just because 

 they are no longer blooming. Keep plant lice off the nasturtium 

 hydrangeas, and all other plants. Wash the leaves with soapy 

 water, or spray with kerosene emulsion, or nicotine sulfate. 



AUGUST 



Vegetables.— August is often one of the driest months. The 

 heat is so intense that the little rainfall does not remain long in 

 the soil. Considerable watering of the garden may be necessary. 

 A good plan is to turn on the water at night and let the ground 

 be thoroughly soaked. The deeper the water penetrates, the more 

 the roots will go down into the soil. 



Use the cultivator frequently. Someone has called this irriga- 

 tion because it saves the moisture in the soil. 



Considerable sweet corn should be pulled, cut from the cob and 

 dried for winter use. Many other vegetables may be dried for 



