December 1, 1908 
© 
Gig 
” Lae 
THE AUSTRALIAN GARDENER. 
GIANT AUVERGNE CABBAGE. 
The Vegetable Garden. 
Operations for the Month 
This is one of the most trying months 
of the year for gardens, and there is often 
some difficulty experienced in raising 
good vegetables, especially when dry, hot 
winds occur. There should be no diffi 
culty for farmers and others who keep 
stock to provide a plentiful supply of 
material suitable for a mulch in» the - 
droppings of animals, straw, and dead 
Jeaves. These should be gathered 
together in a heap, and allowed to rot, or 
partially rov. ‘This can be done from 
time to time when convenient. When 
hot, dry weather is likely to occur a 
heavy dressing should be spread all over 
the ground amongst the vegetables: 
Stirring up the soil frequently has to a 
great extent the same effect as a mulch — 
that is, to prevent soil moisture from 
evaporating. Of course, frequent 
waterings are now necessary, and will 
have to be continued during the coming 
three or four months of summer, except, | 
of course, when good rains are experi- 
enced. A deficiency of water 1s the 
precursor of failure in the crops, but, 
even a limited supply, if judiciously 
used, may be better than a much large* 
judyment’ 
Watering, when it is done, should be 
quantity used without 
done thoroughly. Mere sprinklings may 
do harm rather than good, for they 
moisten the surface only, while an inch 
or so deep the soil may be dry. 
French and Runner,—These 
Seed may be 
Beans, 
should be at their best. 
sown from time to time in any part of 
the State where the rainfall has been 
These beans delight in 
Gather the 
bean pods whilst they are; oung and not 
satisfactory. 
warm, moist conditions. 
fully developed, and then it will be found 
that the flavour and quality is infinitely 
superior to the pods gathered when 
nearly atured. When sowing, make 
drills about 2 feet apart for tall-growing 
varieties, and sow the beans about four 
inches apart in the drills, covering the 
seeds 14 inches deep. 
Beet, Silver.—Sow a row or two o¢ 
seed in well dug up ground. 
Cabbage.—Sow a little seed occasion- 
ally, not much at a time, but just sufli- 
cient to keep up a continuous supply of 
plants. Plant out a few strong young 
cabbages from the seed-bed to some well- 
manured ground, 
Cauliflower.—Sow a small quantity of 
ao 
BROWN SPANISH ONION. 
It should be 
sown either in boxes or a seed:bed,; which 
When 
the plants are strong and hardy they 
should be planted out, about 3 or 4 inches 
apart, in a smajl, well-prepared bed, in 
seed for early planting. 
should be shaded and watered. 
order that they may develop well for 
further planting out in their permanent 
places. ; ei: 
Celery, Red and White,—A little seed 
may be sown during the month so as to 
have a supply available if required. For 
further particulars see article o1 page 8. 
Cress and Mustard: — Sow a little 
seed occasionally to keep up a supply- 
Make the ground rich with well-rotted 
manure, and take means to make the bed 
somewhat below the surface of thé sur- 
rounding ground. 
Cucumber,—Seed may be sown if more: 
plants are required. The fruit should 
now ‘be available in quantity. Plants. 
coming on slowly will be improved con- 
siderably if supplied with occasional 
applications of liquid manure, made from 
horse, cow or fowl dung, or all three: 
mixed together. It should not be 
allowed to flow over the leaves when 
applied. Reece eayes weed: 
Onion,— Sow a little seéd; and keap- 
