224 SCHOOL AND HOME GABDENING 



Examine the garden tools and implements to see that they 

 are not rusting. The metal parts should be covered with oil 

 or wagon grease to prevent rust. 



Trees and Fruits. — Trees about the school ,and home 

 grounds should be pruned. Do this on days when the weather 

 is favorable. Grape vines, peach trees, gooseberries and cur- 

 rants are to be pruned early. If only a little pruning is to be 

 done, apple and perhaps other fruit trees naay be left until 

 nearly spring. 



Plans for spraying should be made soon. Never try to 

 spray during freezing weather. Warm days may be chosen, 

 either this month or soon after the pruning is done. 



Make collections of winter shrubs and trees in winter con- 

 dition for the sake of knowing all the varieties. These are 

 also useful in school work. 



Strawberry beds and other parts of the garden which were 

 mulched in the fall should be examined now, if there is no 

 snow. If the mulching materials have blown ofE replace them 

 and prevent further trouble by weighting with boards or brush. 



Flowers. — Get collections of flower seeds. If there are 

 old ones, test them to be sure of their powers of germination. 

 Send for garden catalogues and decide on what annuals and 

 perennials you desire to plant. 



Keep the window boxes well supplied with growing plants. 

 Leaf and green wood cuttings may be made of house plants. 

 If any bulbs are started in the cellar some of them may be 

 brought up at this time and placed in the windows. 



FEBEDAEY 



Vegetables. — Spread manure in the garden when the 

 groimd is free from snow. Test all old vegetable seeds on 

 hand. Make up your spring orders for the varieties which do 

 not germinate well, and for any others you do not have. 



If coldframes or hotbeds are not finished, they should 

 be' completed, now. You will need them soon. The smaller 

 the garden, the more need there is for frames. Manure for 



