THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



often necessitates the shading of tender plants, frosts at night are 

 by no means uncommon, and the increased variations between heat 

 and cold make the month a very dangerous one to the unwary 

 gardener. 



It may be safely said that during May weeding will occupy much 

 of the time that might otherwise be called "leisure." The hoe 

 should also be in constant use between the crops that are advancing. 

 Insects must be fought against with soot and lime, and in every 

 department great vigilance will be needed, as at this time of year a 

 short period of neglect may ruin the effect of much previous hard 

 work. 



ASPARAGUS. Shoots that are as much as 6 inches long may 

 be carefully cut now; the bed should be kept free from weeds and 

 the ground gently stirred now and then. It is wise also to protect 

 the beds against frost, which may destroy the sticks just as they 

 reach perfection. New plantations of Asparagus may still be made, 

 but they will need to be well watered if the weather be dry. If seed 

 is sown now it should be where it is to grow, and the plants when 

 they come up must be well thinned. 



BEANS (Broad). Sow for a late crop. If the weather is very 

 dry, soak before planting, and water the drills into which the Beans 

 are to be placed. Pinch off the tops of the early crops if there is any 

 sign of black fly about them. 



BEANS (Kidney). Sow in considerable quantity both the dwarf 

 and climbing sorts. Also the small seeded White Haricots, for use 

 in winter. If the weather be dry, water the drills before sowing. 



BEANS (Scarlet Runner). This useful Bean will grow in almost 

 any soU and is weU worth cultivation. It should be sown this month 

 in open ground and must be given plenty of room. 



BEET. Sow the main crop now. Thin out the crops now 

 coming lip from an earlier sowing. Also sow the White or Spinach- 

 beet. 



BROCCOLI. Sow for succession. Plant out from frames, etc . 



BRUSSELS SPROUTS. Plant out now any sturdy plants to 

 afford a picking in early autumn. 



CABBAGE. Sow at the end of the month some quick-growing 

 sorts for use in the autumn. Plant out from the seed-beds. 



CAPSICUMS may be sown out of doors late in the month. 



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