12 



GARDENING FOE. THE SOUTH. 



near the stables, in order that it may be copiously replen- 

 ished with manure without too much labor. 



Much, however, depends upon the soil. The best at 

 command, in the vicinity of the dwelling, should be 

 chosen. Proximity to water is also highly important, 

 especially if it can be readily employed for irrigation. 

 Low situations are more liable to late and early frosts, but 

 their abundant moisture renders them desirable for sum- 

 mer crops. A diversity of soils and exposures in the same 

 in closure is desirable. 



Care should be taken that the productiveness of the 

 kitchen garden be not diminished by the proximity of 

 large trees, which are injurious by their drip to all plants 

 beneath them, and by their shade and extended roots to 

 those more remote. The small, fibrous roots of trees ex- 

 tend far beyond their branches, and one is not safe from 

 these devourers much short of the length of the stem 

 which they nourish. If trees exist too valuable to be re- 

 moved, dig a deep trench near them, and cut off all roots 

 that extend into it. This will probably relieve the ad- 

 jacent crops from their injurious effects. 



Aspect and Inclination. — A light exposure to the south 

 is generally to be recommended. Gardeners take pride in 

 having early crops, and this compensates in some measure 

 for their shorter duration in such an exposure. A north- 

 eastern aspect is to be avoided, as our worst storms are 

 from that direction. A north-western exposure, though 

 cold and late, is less liable to injury from late and early 

 frosts, as vegetation in such situations is sheltered some- 

 what from the rising sun, and does not suffer so much if 

 it becomes slightly frozen. It is not the frost that injures 

 plants so much as the direct heat of the sun falling upon 

 the frozen leaves and blossoms. Hence an easterly aspect 

 is generally objectionable for tender plants. 



Cabbage, cauliflower, strawberries, spinach, lettuce, and 

 other salads, are much more easily brought to perfection 



