Feb.] the KITCHEN GARDEN. J2l 
three new shoots, some or all of which will most likelj be fruitful; 
and after this, according as thej advance in growth, train the run- 
ners along in regular order, cut out casual very weakly vines, and 
thin others where very irregularly crowded: thus, if the bed is well 
managed, and the plants are forward, those of the cucumbers will 
probably produce proper-sized fruit at the end of this month, or 
beginning or middle of the next; but the melons not so soon by 
six or eight weeks. — See next month. 
Of sowing Cucumber and Melon Seed. 
As there may be many persons who did not begin last month to 
so cucumbers for an early crop, it will here be proper to take 
notice that the beginning, middle, or any time of this month is 
still a good time to begin that work, making a hot-bed for sowing 
the seed as directed in January, pages 12 and 13. 
Those which are sown early in this month, will, with good 
management, produce fruit in the end of March, or beginning of 
April; and those sown in the middle or latter end of the month 
will have fruit in the end of April, and will bear plentifully in May. 
The beginning of this month is a very good time to sow melons 
for a full crop in the frames. 
The seed hot-bed which is to be made now, either for cucumbers 
or melons, must be of the same dimensions; and the seeds sown, 
and plants managed as directed last month. 
But observe, that to be well supplied with cucumber or melon 
plants, either to plant in new beds, or to have a reserve in case of 
accidents happening to any already planted out, it will be very 
proper to sow some seeds at three different times this month. 
These may be sown in such cucumber hot-beds as are already 
made and in cultivation, and when fit to prick out, plant them in 
small pots as directed last month, which may be plunged in the back 
part of the same bed, where they may be kept till wanted, either 
for new, or to supply any deficiency in the present beds. 
Forcing Asparagus. 
Hot-beds for forcing early asparagus may be made any time this 
month, for which purpose you must be provided with proper plants; 
these are previously raised in the natural ground from seed, as 
hereafter directed, which being transplanted from the seed-bed into 
others duly prepared for their reception, and having two or three 
years growth there, they then are of the proper size and strength 
for forcing. But observe that in those parts of the Union where 
the ground is subject at this season to be bound up by frost, pre- 
vious precaution will be necessary, in order to secure a supply of 
plants when wanted for this purpose; therefore, before the setting 
in of the severe winter frost, cover a sufficient number in the beds 
wherein they are growing, with as much dry litter or leaves of 
trees, &c. as will effectually keep the ground from being frozen, 
so that you can remove it, and take up the plants conveniently 
when wanted. 
Q 
