A YEAR'S GARDENING 



January is also the time when Sea-kale growing may be commenced in 

 a frame that is generally heated, but which has no lights. 



SPINACH should be sown in the open, but care must be taken 

 to sow again if frost should destroy the young plants. Autumn- 

 sown Spinach may now be ready in some gardens. 



STRAWBERRY plants may now be potted and put in a frame 

 for forcing; an occasional dose of liquid manure wiU be found 

 useful. 



TOMATO seed may now be thinly sown in well-drained pots. 

 Cover lightly and keep at an even temperature of not less than 60°. 

 When large enough transfer the young plants to small pots and keep 

 near the glass until well established. Almost any available glass 

 will serve to grow Tomatoes under, and if treated after the manner 

 of Cucumbers, but at a lower temperature, splendid crops may be 

 secured. For outdoor growing the seed should not be sown until 

 March or April. 



FEBRUARY 



" February fill-dyke " gives but scant encouragement to the 

 gardener who sets his heart on planning his work beforehand with 

 certainty, but for the quick seizer of opportunity it is often a month 

 that yields a great deal of suitable weather, for the sun is fast gaining 

 power, and spring is almost here. 



Before the heaviest work of spring is started, much digging, 

 manuring, and even weeding is the portion of this month. And 

 almost as a first task garden paths and edgings should be put in order, 

 for there will be little chance for merely ornamental gardening later 

 on. Also to heap up, and even to increase, the supply of protective 

 materials is a necessity where early sowings are practised, for frosts 

 are still to be guarded against and may do much damage now. lie 

 gardener who has been sowing in January will have his frames to 

 attend to daily. Water, although often very necessary, must be 

 given with great care as long as there is a chance of frost. 



ARTICHOKES {Jerusalem) may be planted now. Select a piece 

 of garden ground that can be given up to them, as they are difficult 

 to get rid of, and plant the tubers a good distance apart. 



BEANS may be sown for a proper succession, the end of the 

 month being the best time for sowing the principal crop. Between 



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