THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



CAULIFLOWERS. Sow a small quantity now to be planted 

 out as soon as possible. From early sowings there should be nice 

 young plants to be put out whenever the weather is suitable, but be 

 careful to protect them against cold. 



CELERY. Sow now for a late supply in the open ground on a 

 bed chiefly composed of manure. Plants raised earlier, in pots, 

 should be pricked out 'and well protected and looked after. 



CHERVIL. Sow this month and treat in the same way as 

 parsley. 



CHICORY. Sow late this month, also in May and June, in 

 shallow drUls, thinning the young plants weU when they come up. 

 The roots form a vegetable, but if the tops are required for salad the 

 plants will need to be put into a frame later on for blanching. 



CUCUMBERS. As the sun's heat increases admit more air to 

 the growing plants and pinch off all shoots above the fruit. 



ENDIVE. Sow now in moderate heat, pricking out into a rich 

 light soU later on. 



LEEKS. Sow the main crop now, and transplant later on. 



LETTUCE. Sow a few seeds this and every month to keep up 

 the succession. At this time it is best to sow where the plants are 

 to remain, choosing a quick-growing kind and thinning freely. 



MARJORAM, THYME, MINT, SAGE, etc., may be increased 

 by dividing the roots. 



MELONS. Sow again for fruit in July. 



MUSHROOM BEDS may be made out of doors now and are 

 often quite a success, although some amateurs hesitate to start be- 

 fore midsummer. The bed should be a firm ridge, about 4 feet 

 high by 6 feet wide, composed of dung and loamy soil, and should 

 be drained by a trench dug aU round it. The spawn should be put 

 into shallow holes when the bed has attained a temperature of 80°; 

 it should be covered with soil and then further covered with straw 

 kept in place by mats. It will take about 8 weeks to produce the 

 crop, and the temperature of the bed should continue at not less than 

 60° during that time. Moisture is important, but when watering be 

 careful that the temperature of the water is a little above that ot the 

 bed. 



ONIONS. Sow the main crop now if this has not been done 

 already. If the plants are up, weed the bed carefully by hand. For 



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