Greenhouse And Flower-Garden

In almost all northern localities, all tender plants yet outside should be got under cover the early part of this month. Avoid the use of fire heat as long as possible; unless the nights become cold enough to chill the plants inside of the house, they are better without fire heat. When there is indication that the night is likely to be cold, let down the sashes that have been raised for ventilation, early in the afternoon, and thus shut up the heated air until next day. If there is a cold frame or pit at hand, the hardier sorts of plants, such as roses, carnations, camellias, azaleas, etc., will do better if placed there until middle of November, than in the ordinary greenhouse. Treated in this manner they make strong, healthy roots, that enable them to withstand the forcing process better when placed in the greenhouse. Look out for and destroy insects; see methods already given. The planting of fall bulbs of all kinds may continue during this month. Dahlias, tuberoses, gladiolus, cannas, caladiums, tigridias, and all tender bulbs or tubers that are planted in spring, should be taken up before the end of the month, dried and stowed away in some place free from frost during winter.

Fruit-Garden

Strawberries that have been layered in pots may yet be planted this month; great care should be taken to trim off runners from early plantings. All kinds of fruit-trees and shrubs may be set out; if planting is deferred to the last of the month, the ground around the roots should be mulched to the thickness of three or four inches, with leaves, straw, or rough manure, as a protection to the roots against the frost

Vegetable Garden

This is one of the busiest fall months in the kitchen garden, celery will now be in full growth, and will require close attention to earthing-up, and during the last part of the month, the first lot may be stored away in trenches for winter; see Celery; beets, carrots, parsnips, squash, sweet potatoes, and all other roots not designed to be left in the ground during winter, should be dug by the end of the month. The cabbage, cauliflower, and lettuce plants from the seed sown about the middle of last month, should now be pricked out in cold frames. If lettuce is wanted for winter use, it may be now planted in the greenhouse, and will be ready for use by Christmas. Rhubarb and asparagus, if wanted for use in winter, should be taken up in large clumps and stowed away in pit, frame, shed, or cellar for a month or two, when it may be taken into the greenhouse and packed closely together under the stage, and will be fit for use from January to March, according to the temperature of the house.