138 PIGTOBTAL FBAGTICAL VEGETABLE GBOWmG, 



to hold sufficient moisture, failed to keep the plants going, and 

 under the stress of cropping they began'to wither. 



Of the two, I would rather have a manure pit than a manure 

 heap for Marrows, but neither is really necessary. In well- 

 tilled, fertile soil the plants will thrive and crop amazingly if 

 only put out on the level, just as you might plant a Cabbage. 



One good seed in the centre of a 4-inch pot, inserted in March, 

 and put on a horhed, on a greenhouse shelf, or in a frame, will 

 give a strong plant, and this ma^^ be transferred to a 5- or 6-inch 

 pot. By the end of May it should be 8 to 12 inches high, and 

 very sturdy. It should then be turned out without disturbing 

 the ball, planted firmly, and protected with an old basket or 



FIG. 89. -A VEGETABLE MARROW ON A RAISED 

 FRAMEWORK. 



A, section of framework ; B, framework erected and covered. 



some other simple shelter until it has got a good hold of the soil. 

 Some people sow out of doors in May. 



Stopping is sometimes practised, but it is quite unnecessary. 

 A sturdy plant will fling out growths in all directions without 

 any help from the grower directly it has become established. 

 Even in dry seasons I leave my plants to look after their own 

 fertilisation and their own feeding — two functions which they 

 never fail to perform to their own and my complete satisfac- 

 tion. I am convinced that we should hear fewer complaints, by 

 many, of fruit falling after setting, instead of swelling up, if the 

 l)lants were grown in the natural soil of the garden. 



It is a mistake to let the fruits get large, except towards the 

 end of the season when one or two giants are coveted by the 

 housewife for preserving. They should be cut young. For ex- 

 hibition, an even pair, with a tender skin which will admit the 

 thumb nail readily, stand the best chance. 



There is no more useful Marrow than the Long White, but 

 Custard, Moore's Cream, and Pen-y-Byd are very fine in flavour. 



