Asparagus

The decayed tops may now be removed, the bed cleared, and the soil dressed with wood-ashes or short manure. If any is to be forced, three or four year old roots ought to be chosen, and packed in soil over a heap of manure in a frame or pit.

Broccoli

If the plants are tall, and the stems sappy, they are liable to injury in hard frosty weather. It is a good plan to remove some soil from one side of the row, force the plants over until they lie almost horizontally, preferably with the heads facing north, and throw the soil on the stems the other side.

Cabbages For Spring

Hoe between the roots on every favourable opportunity, in order to encourage steady, firm growth.

Cucumbers

Late Cucumbers are liable to attack by red spider at this time of the year. The paraffin and soft-soap emulsion previously recommended, used hot, with a handful of sulphur stirred in to each gallon, is a good remedy. Top-dress the plants when roots show at the surface.

Rhubarb

Roots for forcing may be taken up and left exposed. If frozen they will force the better.

Seakale

The tops of Seakale plants will have matured by now, and may be removed. The crowns can be taken up, and the roots removed. The former can be forced in boxes of soil over a hot bed (leaving a clear space of nine or ten inches for the tops to extend); the latter can be laid in a heap, covered with straw and soil, and planted in spring.

Salsify And Scorzonera

These roots may be lifted and stored like Beetroot. (See October).