176 



THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. 



[June. 



good waterings at the root. In planting this vegetable, and 

 all others of the brassica tribe, prepare a puddle by pouring 

 some water into a hole dug expressly for the purpose, and stir 

 the mould about, so as to form a puddle of rather a thick con- 

 sistency ; then draw the roots of the plants through it two or 

 three times, until a sufficient quantity adhere to the roots. If 

 the ground be very dry, after the line be set, and a drill drawn 

 about three or four inches deep, make a mark along the drill, 

 where each plant is to be put ; then pour some water on each 

 spot, stirring up the mould at the same time, which will form 

 a puddle, into which set the plants. By this means, they will 

 resist the effects of drought longer than by any other method. 



Sow more broccoli-seeds about the beginning of the month, 

 for late planting, the flowers of which, if they survive the 

 winter, will be fit to gather in February and March. 



Prick out more broccoli plants into nursing-beds, from the 

 seeds sown in April and May ; if dry weather, give them occa- 

 sional waterings. 



LEEKS. 



Leeks may be now transplanted, for which purpose, a num- 

 ber of strong plants should be drawn from the seed-bed. The 

 long fibres of their roots should be trimmed, as well as the 

 straggling tops of their leaves. An open spot of ground 

 should be chosen, in which the plants should be pricked out 

 in rows about eight or nine inches asunder, and about six 

 mches fi'om each other in the row, observing to insert the 

 greater part of the shank or neck of the plant into the 

 ground. 



In planting, do not press the mould tight about their stems. 

 Make the holes large, put in the plants, and let only a little 

 mould fall into the holes, merely to cover their fibres. 



BORECOLE. 



The different sorts of greens under this general name 

 should be planted out, accordingly as the ground becomes va- 

 cant. Plant them between crops of peas, beans, or other 



