THE KITCHEN GARDEN 135 
seedlings of the latter to 4 inches apart when they are 3 inches high, 
then the leaves will be large and succulent. The first week in May 
will be quite soon enough to sow the first batch of Dwarf Beans, and 
a sheltered border should be devoted to this crop. In a more open 
quarter Runner Beans are sown about the middle of May. If sown 
too early the plants get checked by cold weather, and the crop 
is light and not satisfactory. If the seeds are sown as recommended 
the plants do not receive any check, and the crop of pods is early 
and heavy. 
Staking and Mulching.—Early staking should be the rule ; 
the haulm of both Peas and Runner Beans then receives a certain 
amount of protection and grows rapidly. Mulching, too, is essential. 
Put on the mulch or top dressing early, before the soil becomes very 
dry ; it conserves the moisture, promotes healthy growth, and 
precludes the necessity for giving much water in dry weather. But 
water should be applied if needed. Several sowings of Dwarf 
Beans will be necessary, but one of Runner Beans will be ample 
for the season. 
Potatoes.—Early varieties mature quickly, and after they are 
over the ground is available for Winter Greens, and in light soils 
the manure is put in early in the new year; but in heavy, 
retentive soils autumn manuring is better. In all instances use 
rotted manure, not that which is half straw. Place the seed tubers 
in boxes in single layers and keep them cool, but exposed to the 
light and safe from frost, throughout the winter. Plant the earliest 
on a warm, south border, and protect the young haulm with dry mats 
or straw from late frosts. Each “set” should possess one or two, not 
more, strong sprouts when planted. Usea garden line for planting 
purposes, burying the sets about 4 inches deep, in rows 18 inches 
apart and 10 inches from set to set in the rows. Draw up the soil 
to the growing tops in good time, and keep the ground free from 
weeds. Hoeing the surface regularly between growing crops hastens 
the growth and increases the yield. Midseason and late varieties of 
Potatoes are planted early in March, and a few inches more space 
must be allowed between the rows and the sets respectively. 
Parsnips, Carrots, Turnips, and Beetroot.—The soil for 
these is dug deeply. Stiff soil is trenched in the autumn and left 
in a rough state throughout the winter, so that the frosts, rains, and 
weather generally may pulverise it. Autumn manuring is also 
advisable. No fresh, partially rotted manure should be used, but 
that which is well rotted. The driest part of the garden is selected 
for the Parsnip crop, as these roots always cook best when used 
directly from the bed; if they are grown in naturally wet soil, 
the roots often decay in winter time. Sow the seeds during the 
latter part of February thinly, in drills 16 inches apart. 
Early Carrots, Lettuces, and Radishes on the Hotbed. 
—A hotbed is very useful in February. One may sow Early 
English or French Horn Carrot seeds broadcast in sifted soil 
