CHAPTER XXVII 



Calendar of Garden Operations 



THE [suggestions for the work for the various months must 

 I always of course be merely approximate. Seasons govern 

 land operations; latitude and altitude have also a wonderful 

 influence on thg climatology of a given place. 



Prof. J. W. Lloyd, of the University of Illinois, in his book on 

 Vegetable Growing, makes three sections, the Central, Northern and 

 Southern, but says that no absolute boundaries can be ascribed, 

 one merging into another in a general way. For example, the terri- 

 tory lying between the 37 and 42 degrees parallels of latitude may be 

 considered as essentially Central, while the area north of the 42 

 degree may be considered Northern, and that South of the 37 parallel 

 Southern. These boundaries refer only to relatively low elevations, 

 and do not apply in the high altitudes of mountainous regions. 



Calendar for Northern and Middle States 



January 



This is the month for planning ahead; think over the alterations 

 you are going to make in the garden, the purchase of new plants 

 and stock. It is also the month for the ordering of early seeds, and 

 for looking over catalogs. The pruning of some outdoor shrubs may 

 be done (see Pruning, p. 259) as well as of fruit trees, if the weather 

 allows. Keep snow from specimen evergreens. 



Give air to coldframes whenever the temperature is well above 

 the freezing point. Take Asparagus and Rhubarb to greenhouse for 

 forcing, and place them under the stages. Sow Lettuce, Cauliflower, 

 Cabbage, Onion and Leek under glass. 



February 



Sweet Peas may be sown in pots in the greenhouse or in frames 

 if they are intended for exhibition. Keep Violet plants clean, and 

 begin taking runners for the supply of new plants for next year. 

 Stakes and labels may be got ready for Spring and Summer. Collect 

 hotbed material. Spray fruit trees against San Jose scale. 



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