10 
THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
August ik, 1905 
VWesetavie Garcderm 
OPERATIONS FOR AUGUST. 
The most important work here will be the 
preparing of ground for summer cropping. First 
comes manuring, and as the manure for all 
summer crops must be immediately available as 
plant food, all partly-decayed stuff shonld be 
avoided, using only well-rotted farmyard or 
stable manure. It is hardly possible to use too 
much of this, so long as the supply of water is 
plentiful during hot weather, but it should be 
remembered that ihe lighter the texture of the 
soil so much moro quickly does it part with, 
~ moisture, and large quantities of manure tend 
to render the soil lighter or more porous. At 
the same time, large quantities of manure and 
water give enormous crops. For summer crops 
the soil should be worked deeply to secure the 
best results. When the roots of the plants can 
penetrate the subsoil, not nearly so much 
watering is necessary to keep them in a fresh 
condition, as the evaporation from a depth is 
very slow in comparison to that from the sur- 
face ofthe soil. The importance to summer 
crops of deep working is illustrated by the fact 
that vegetable marrow roots penetrate toa depth 
of 18 inches, and ramify the soil to a distance of 
10 ft from the caudex; and cucumbers and 
melons rvot proportionately. 
(Norges py W. S. Campsett.) 
Every effort should be made to get things 
ready for the sowing and planting of spring 
vegatables, and for the planting of evergreens 
in the flower garden for shrubbery; for, 
although the best time of year for planting them 
is during early autumn, with care and attention 
they will probably succeed satisfactorily if 
planted before hot weather sets in. 
ASPARAGUS. 
It would be desirable for those who intend to 
plant asparagus, to prepare some land as soon 
as possible, for they can plant in August or 
early in September, and it is no use leaving 
the preparation of the ground until the last 
moment, If the growing of vegetables does 
nothing else it trains, or has a tendency to train 
the grower to look ahead, and this isa very 
necessary matter for anyone who strives to make 
a living from the soil. Asparagus is a vegetable 
which gives but little trouble after it is once 
plantea. At the present time of year the haulm 
should be all cleared away, the soil between the 
rows cleaned and forked up, and a dressing of 
manure spread over the bed as a sort of pro- 
tection during the very cold weather; but in 
many districts such protection is unnecessary, 
The manure may be forked in just betore spring, 
and the stools begin to start with growth, © 
ARTICHOKE, GLOBE. 
The best time to plant either suckers or young 
plants is early in the spring, when they will 
start into growth soon after planting. If planted 
now they will probably remain dormant, and 
perhaps some of the suckers may die off. One 
or two plants is likely to suffice for an ordinary 
family 
—s 
_ The seedling can be planted out next month 
ARTICHOKE, JERUSALEM. 
May be planted during the month in any con- 
venient place. This vegetable is well worth 
growing, and will be found a useful substitute 
for the potato where that vegetable does not 
happen to succeed satisfactorily. Plant in rows 
3or 4 feet apart, 4 or 5 inches deep, and 12 
inches or so apart in the rows. A little practice 
will soon show how far apart various kinds of 
vegetable seeds or tubers should be planted, for 
this will depend in a great measure on the quality 
and condition of soil. The distances given in 
these directions are simply for a guide, and 
need uot be followed implicitly. 
BEANS, BROAD, 
A few seed may be sown in the beginning of 
the month, but after that, except in the cool 
climate districts, it will be rather risky to sow: 
BEANS, FRENCH 
In the warm districts along the coast seeds 
may be sown towards the end of the month; but 
whenever there is a possibility of a visitation of 
frost, a sowing had better not be risked. 
BROCCOLI. 
Sow a very little seed occasionally in order to 
keep up a supply of seedlings to plant. Any 
plants already to hand and sufficiently advanced 
may be planted. The soil should be in good 
heart, or the broccoli is not likely to succeed as 
well as it should. 
CABBAGE. 
Sow a few seeds from time to time and make 
a’ trial of different kinds, such as Succession, 
Phenomenal, Lamb’s Earliest of All, St. John’s 
Day, Early York, Sugar-loaf, Express, Savoy, 
and Red Cabbage, or any other varieties obtain- 
able. 
CAULIFLOWER 
Treat in just the same way as has been 
recommended for the broccoli. 
, CARROT, 
Sow a few rows now and then during the 
month, and try some of the short, medium, and 
large grown kinds, such as the Early French 
Forcing, Early Short Horn, James’ Scarlot 
Intermediate, and others. 
CORN SALAD OR LAMB’S LETTUCE 
might be tried, for it is appreciated by some 
persons, although not at all by others, as a 
change. Itisa different thing altogether from 
the lettuce, being a Valerian, species locusta. 
Sow in drills, and cover the seed very lightly. 
CUCUMBER 
Those interested in raising early cucumbers 
can raise seed under a glass frame in a warm 
place, or on a hot-bed if one has beem made, 
but must be protected from late frosts, : 
LEEK, 
A little seed may be sown once or twice dur- 
ing the month, and any well advanced seedlings 
planted out in shallow trenches. 
LETTUCE 
There should be a sufficient stock of advanced 
lettuce to plant out, and others coming on. 
Plant out all that are lige em ugh, ang the 
care that the soil is in good condition and well 
manured. Transplanting may be cavried on 
well into the spring, but after that, it is better 
to sow seed in drills where the lettuces are to 
grow, and then they are not so much inclined 
to run to seed without hearting. 
ONION 
Transplant young onions that have been 
raised in a seed-bed for the purpose, but before 
planting manure the ground heavily and mix the 
manure well with the soil. The more rotted the 
manure, the better it will be for the onions 
Avoid planting on low-lying land liable to 
become over wet after heavy rains. 
POTATO 
Plant a row or two during the month, in warm 
disiricts. 
PARSNIP 
A little seed may be sown where land has 
been well prepared, The. parsnip needs a deep 
soil, and will succeed best where the ground has 
been trenched, = 
PEAS 
Sow during the month, from time to time, as 
extensively as may be required, for peas should 
grow well at this time of the year if the season 
is at all favorable. The rows should be from 
3 to 4 feet or more apart. Plant the pea 
about 3 inches deep, and about 4 inches apart 
SAVOY 
Sow a little seed and treat it as you would 
the cabbage, using plenty of manure. 
SPINACH. 
Sow a little seed now and then during the 
month to keep up a supply if required, in drills 
2 feet apart, and thin out the seedlings when 
they come up to about 1 foot from plant to 
plant. 
SWEDE 
Sow a little seed in drills occasionally. 
TOMATO 
Raise in a warm protected place a few plants 
if cuttings of last year’s plants are not rooted 
The seedlings will need protection from frosts 
where they are likely to occur. 
TURNIP 
Sow a little seed in drills. 
—Agricultural Gazette, N,S,W. 
i 
S——S———— = I Soe eerie 
SHIER LAW 
and CO., 
TAILORS, 
A CLOTHIERS 
|HATTERS, . 
AND 
Outfitters. 
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