4 THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
The Vegetable Garden. 
HACKETY’S SELECTED SCOTCH KALE. 
Operations for the Month. 
All old vegetable remains, svch as pea 
and bean haulm, cabbage stumps, rotting 
tomatoes, should be cleared out of the 
garden ; indeed, such things should never 
be allowed to accumulate, for immediately 
the plants are past their useful stage they 
should be removed and other kinds of 
vegetables planted in their places, keeping 
the ground constantly cropped wherever 
practicable. Always follow one kind of 
vegetable with another of quite a distinct 
character, and where possible alternate a 
vegetable which is grown for its leaves or 
pods with another which is grown for its 
roots; for instance, a cabbage can be very 
well followod by red beet, carrots, turnips, 
potatoes, and so on; peas and beans can 
be followed by roots or by cabbage, cauli- 
flower, etc. Where different kinds of 
diseases prevail to any extent, such as 
scab in potatoes or black spot disease in 
tomatoes, be sure not to grow such plants 
on the same ground next year, although 
other vegetables may be grown in the 
meantime, for the diseases remain in the 
ground in some cases, such as potato-scab 
disease, for years; and once they become 
established they are extremely difficult to - 
eradicate. If a mulch of dung has been 
spread between aud about vegetables, stir 
it up occasionally, and stir also the sur- 
face of the ground below it as well. 
Beans of all sorts, except the Broad or 
Windsor bean, may be sown during the 
month as extensively as anyone may 
require. It is worth while trying several 
varieties, for there is a very great deal of 
difference in the quality of the various 
kinds, both runners and dwarfs. For 
general purposes the Canadian Wonder 
holds its own very well for quality as well 
as productiveness. The bean, although 
an excellent vegetable, should not be 
depended upon entirely. The greater 
variety of vegetables made use of, the 
better aud more wholesome for those 
who make use of them, An overdose of 
beans is likely to cause indigestion to 
some persons. 
Broccoli.—A little seed may be sown 
from time to time during the month. 
This vegetable is hardier than the cauli- 
flower, which it resembles so much that 
the two can hardly be distinguished from 
It needs 
LONDON MARKET BRUSSELS SPROUTS, 
tion. It should be grown as quickly as 
possible, and without a check from seed 
to flower. When the seedlings are 3 or 4 
inches or so in height, they should be 
pricked out in a small bed by themselves 
a few inches apart, and allowed to grow 
into good strong little plants. Before 
they are very large, plant out in a heavily- 
manured bed—that is, if the ground is 
not rich enough without the manure; 
but it is only in very few places that, 
such as rich alluvial flats, where manure, 
in more or less quantity, will not be an 
improvement. 
Borecole or Kale.—This is very suit- 
able for cool climates, and is worth grow~ 
February 1, 1908 
ing. It belcngs to tho cabbage family, 
and needs the same treatment as broccoli, 
cauliflower, ‘and cabbage. A little seed 
may be sown, 
Cabbage.—This vegetable is, perhaps, 
more extensively grown than any other, 
and is in general favor. It can be cooked 
in various ways, and it is abused in the 
cooking as a rule probably more than 
anything else. When sometimes it might 
be made very palatable, it is cooked in 
such a manner as to be almost uneatable. 
Sow a little seed during the month, and 
treat as advised for broccoli. During the 
growth of any of the cabbage family, stir 
up the ground frequently between the 
plants; and even when the huge leaves 
overlap each cther, it is possible to get a 
Dutch hoe underneath. 
Cauliflower.—Obtain the best seed pro- 
curable and sow a little in seed-bed from 
time to time, shading and watering when 
necessary. After sowing vegetable seeds 
of any kind in a seed-bed, never allow the 
soil to become dry. Spread a mulch, and 
if necessary shade and water frequently, 
Cucumber.—If any cucumber plante 
are required, seed may be sown, and the 
chances are, if the season is moist, the 
plants will soon come into bearing. Check 
the growth of runners by pinching before 
the runners extend overmuch, 
Celery.—This should grow very well 
during the month, and be available in 
sufficient quantity for all requirements, 
that is, if there should be good rains. 
Under irrigation it can be grown to great 
perfection. Sow a little seed, prick out 
advanced seedlings, and when they are 
well grown, plant out on ground that has 
been well manured, Water the plants 
before and after planting. . Celery plants 
that are nearly full-grown should be 
‘earthed’ up If soil is used for the 
earthing up, take care that none of it 
falls in between the leaf stalks. 
Cress and Mustard.—These deserve to 
be grown, for they are very useful for 
summer; but they will not succeed satis- 
factorily without a good deal of rain, or 
frequent supplies of water, The quicker 
the plants are grown, the more palatable 
they are likely to be. Sow seed occa- 
sionally during the month. 
Egg Plant.—These should be bearine 
well in the early districts, where they are 
more at home than in cool places. They 
succeed best in humid climates. In early 
districts seed may be sown if plants are 
required. 
SUGAR CORN. 
Maize (Sweet or Sugar)— Plants should 
