CHAPTER IX 
Making the Most of a Small Kitchen Garden—Practical Hints 
Showing How to Ensure a Succession of Vegetables. 
Cabbages, Cauliflowers.—Some seeds of the first named should 
be sown about the middle of August, the plants being put out in their 
permanent quarters towards the end of September, in firm ground. 
Then seeds of both are sown in boxes in a greenhouse or frame in 
February. Early varieties are chosen that the produce may be fit 
for use early in the year, before it is possible to obtain it from seeds 
sown in the open border in spring; the plants raised in the open 
borders will forma good succession. In all cases the seeds are sown 
thinly, the seedlings being transplanted while they are quite small, 
so as to obtain sturdy plants possessing plenty of small, fibrous 
roots. The seedlings should be transplanted from the boxes into 
other boxes, or a cool frame in spring, prior to their final planting in 
sheltered borders. 
Peas, Dwarf and Runner Beans, Broad Beans, and 
Spinach.—In light soils, 1 pint of early Peas may be sown in 
October in a sheltered position. To guard against the ravages of 
mice and rats, moisten the seeds and then roll them in red lead 
before sowing them. Cover the surface of the drill with fine ashes 
to prevent slugs eating the young plants; and draw up small ridges 
of soil on both sides of the rows as a shelter against cold winds. In 
November a few Broad Beans may be sown also. At this time as much 
ground as possible should be deeply dug or trenched ; then the soil 
will be in good condition for the early crops. In February fork up 
the soil, and the moment it is dry enough sow more Peas and Broad 
Beans, well mixing manure with the soil. Make the utmost use of 
the ground at disposal by sowing small quantities of seeds fortnightly, 
or every three weeks, until the first week in June. It is a mistake 
to sow the seeds thickly. Where possible, have the rows north and 
south, not east and west, then the plants will get the maximum 
amount of sunshine and yield heavy crops. Peas which grow 3 feet 
high need a space of 3 feet 6 inches between the rows, varieties that 
grow 5 feet high should be in rows 6 feet apart. Broad Beans are 
best sown in single lines 18 inches apart and 4 inches from plant to 
plant in the lines. The space between the rows of Peas is utilised 
for growing Spinach in single lines. Bury the Peas 2 inches deep, 
the Broad Beans 3 inches, and the Spinach i inch. Thin out the 
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