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CALENDAR FOR MAY. 
CALENDAR OF KITCHEN GARDEN OPERATIONS 
FOR MAY. 
The most important part of this month’s operations, will be 
the thinning and transplanting of the various crops sown in the 
last and preceding months. Carrots, parsnips, and beet should 
stand from eight inches to a foot apart, and onions at rather 
more than half that distance. It is false economy to leave these 
crops to be thinned by such as may be required for use in a 
young state, as in general they are not withdrawn till the 
remainder has suffered through crowding. 
The strongest plants from the seed-beds of early brocoli, 
cabbages, cauliflowers, &c., should be planted out on the first 
opportunity of showery weather, and at the same time the planting 
of the warm crops of celery should be got on with. 
Earth up and stake peas as they require it, sow more for 
autumn use. The several crops of these and other advancing 
vegetables should be frequently hoed, that the ground may be 
kept light and porous, and also to prevent the spread of weeds. 
The principal crops of French beans may now be sown, and at 
intervals of eight or ten days. Spinach, lettuce, and radish seed 
should also be got in, it being preferable to sow small quantities 
in rapid succession, as much of it is likely to be wasted should 
the weather prove dry. A sowing of endive may also be made 
for early use, and where young carrots are esteemed, a few sown 
now will come in nicely after the summer supply is done. 
The asparagus beds being now in full bearing, should be kept 
perfectly clear of weeds ; in cutting the shoots, avoid injuring 
those proceeding from the same stool that are just coming through 
the soil; young heads should be cut but sparingly, ceasing with 
them altogether by the end of the month. 
Potatoes should be earthed over as they appear till the middle 
of the month, lest a late frost nip them off again. 
Herbs of all sorts are easily propagated now by cuttings struck 
under a handglass on a shaded border. Capsicums and tomatas 
may be planted out as soon as the nights become warm. 
Strawberries and newly-planted vegetables should have a 
plentiful supply of water in dry weather. 
