520 MANUAL OF GARDENING 
go through the patch early every morning and sprinkle all the hills 
with air-slaked lime. 
Egg-plants. — Toward the end of the month the plants growing in 
frames may be transplanted to their fruiting quarters. Seed may be 
sown outside after March 15; sooner if a warm and sheltered spot is 
selected. 
Lettuce. — Sow in drills, and when the plants are large enough, thin 
to a foot apart. If transplanted at this season, they often go to seed. 
Okra. — A sowing may be made now, but the main planting would 
best be deferred until after March 15. Sow in drills 3 ft. apart and 
thin the plants to 18 in. apart in the drills. 
Peas. — Early varieties may be sown; it is now too late to sow tall- 
growing kinds. 
Peppers. — Treat as advised for egg-plants. 
Potatoes, Irish. — It is not too late to plant them, but the sooner 
they are planted the better. The crop planted in February should be 
harrowed as soon as the shoots begin to come up, and when the rows 
can be fairly seen, the cultivator must be set to work to keep down 
weeds and grass. 
Squashes. — Plant seed in hills 6 ft. apart. The directions for 
planting melons may be followed. The same remarks apply to pump- 
kins and other vegetables of this kind. 
Sweet-potatoes. — If slips or vines are at hand, they may be planted 
late in the month for the earliest tubers. The whole potatoes may 
be planted on a ridge to yield vines for later planting. 
Strawberries. — The mulching of beds or rows should be no longer 
delayed, if clean and plentiful fruit is wanted. 
Tomatoes. — About March 15 the frame plants may go to their 
fruiting quarters. It is necessary to use some judgment in this mat- 
ter, as they may be killed or injured by an April frost. Seed may be 
sown in the open ground for plants for late fruiting. Set the plants 4 ft. 
apart each way. 
APRIL 
Alternantheras should go out now. 
Annuals of all kinds may still be sown where they are to flower, as 
they transplant with difficulty at this season. 
