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better than sowing in Spring, as the young grass becomes thoroughly established before 
cold weather, and gives it the advantage of an early Spring growth; it is then not so 
liable to be damaged from warm weather. 
OCTOBER 
The active duties of the gardener are now rapidly lessening, but an industrious man 
always finds plenty to do at all seasons of the year. The principal duties of the present 
month will be the harvesting of such root crops as are matured, the transplanting of 
Lettuce both into cold frames and ridges for Winter and Spring heading; also Cauliflowers 
into forcing frames for Spring use. Cabbage sown last month pull and store in cold 
or warm frames for Spring planting. Spinach may still be sown; also Early Scarlet 
Globe Radish in cold or warm frames, between rows of Lettuce; Celery should have its 
final earthing up. Trench all vacant ground, to remain in that condition until Spring. Now 
is also the time for planting all German Bulbs, such as Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses, etc., 
but to be successful in their cultivation the soil should be light and rich. If inclined to 
be heavy, mix it with sand and leaf-mold from the woods. As soon as cold weather sets 
in, cover the beds with a coating of well-rotted manure, which should be taken off in 
Spring, and surface soil loosened and finely raked. We annually import from Holland 
large supplies of Bulbs, and your orders will be filled promptly. There are no flowers 
that will repay you as much as Hyacinths, Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses and the innocent 
little Snowdrops. These are the flowers that bloom in the Spring and which are so 
universally valued and admired, the planting of which is so often overlooked until too late. 
Send for a Bulb catalogue and order at once. 
NOVEMBER 
Gardening operations are now mostly over for the year, and the finishing touches may 
be given to your garden at once. Plants in frames should be aired—all root crops must 
be lifted at once, and carefully stored either in pits outdoors or in root cellars. Cabbage 
sown in September, if not already placed in cold frames for Spring planting, should be 
attended to at once; Cabbage which has headed lift and place in trenches, and cover over 
with litter for Winter use. Celery, Turnips, Beets and Carrots lift and store for Winter 
use. Parsnips and Salsify, although perfectly hardy, should now be lifted for convenience. 
Asparagus beds give Winter dressing. If you have grown a supply of Mangels, Turnips 
and Carrots, they will now come in very useful for stock-feeding, but to avoid flavoring 
either milk or butter, feed them only at milking time. They should, however, always 
be steamed before using. DECEMBER 
Winter may now be said to be upon us in full force, and but little can be accomplished 
outdoors except in making a general clearing up about the place. Your forcing and cold 
frames should have careful attention. Other supplies of Lettuce should be transplanted in 
frames, and other sowings of Radish made; but there are some minor details that generally 
suggest themselves to all thinking men that should always have attention. The monthly 
hints that we have given are merely suggestions for the inexperienced; competent gardeners 
are familiar with the various duties of each season without referring to them. 
This is also the month for making out your Spring list of seeds required. Remember 
that the foundation of a good garden is first good seeds, and then good culture. Look 
out for what are known as cheap seeds. Do not expect to purchase for fifty cents per 
pound that which costs a dollar a pound to grow. There are lots of seeds annually sold 
that there is nothing to recommend them but their first cost. The gardener generally finds 
them very expensive, for if they grow, the crops produced are inferior. 
By using a little forethought and study on rainy days or Winter evenings, you will be 
able to greatly lessen your Spring labor when work comes upon you with a rush. If you 
do not go systematically at work now, and have everything in order, and know exactly 
what you intend doing in the Spring, you will accomplish but little satisfactorily; important 
crops will be entirely overlooked, and many others will be seeded too late to produce 
profitable returns. Look carefully over your tools and implements if you have not 
already done so. Replace those which are lost through carelessness or negligence, and see 
that all are in proper order. Pruning and grafting can still be done, and seeds 
required, if not already ordered, should be purchased at once; examine our Garden Guide 
carefully in making out your list, in order to select those which are the most desirable. 
