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THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



[May. 



STOPPING PEAS. 



Stop the leading shoots of the most early crops when in 

 blossom, which accelerates the setting and maturity of the 

 fruit : this diverts the growth into the pods just forming, and 

 forwards them in a considerable degree. The time for stopping 

 is just when the flowers on the lower part of the stalk begin to 

 fade. The plants need not be shortened more than an inch 

 or two. This is only applicable to early crops. It would be 

 an endless task upon a large scale, although, to a certain extent, 

 it would be beneficial to all. 



SOWING AND PLANTING CAULIFLOWER. 



Towards the latter end of this month, cauliflower may be 

 sown for a late, or for a last crop of the season, on a free open 

 spot of light earth. The crop for a winter supply is to be 

 raised from this sowing, and proper attention should be paid 

 to give them a regular supply of water, accordingly as the 

 state of the weather may require it. If the weather be very 

 dry and the sun powerful, an occasional shading will be bene- 

 ficial, so that the plants may be kept growing at as rapid a 

 rate as possible. This is of much importance to the whole 

 of the brassica tribe, particularly so to cauliflower and the 

 varieties of broccoli, as, in a great measure, we thereby prevent 

 them from running into seed, or, as it is technically called, 

 buttoning. Cauliflower may now be planted out on a north 

 border for a successional crop ; or in a shaded spot, where 

 they will not be exposed to the full power of the sun ; the 

 coldest and dampest situations in the garden will be the most 

 useful tor such crops at this season, as they will not thrive well 

 if planted in an open place. 



At this time, the crops which were formerly planted should 

 be hoed and earthed up, according to the directions given last 

 month; paying proper attention, at the same time, to those 

 which are under hand-glasses, in regard to air and water. 



Examine the early crop, and if on any of them the flower 

 begins to appear, it will be proper to break a leaf or two upon 



