Vegetables

Vegetables. - Asparagus may be forced. Broad (not Kidney) Bean may be sown at the first opportunity. Early Carrots may be sown in a frame. Cauliflowers in boxes under glass must have abundance of air, but very little water, in order to avert damping off. Cucumbers wanted for early crops may be sown in small pots, which should be placed in a warm house or on a hotbed. Lettuces may be sown in a frame for early salads. Mustard and Cress may be sown in boxes. Peas may be sown if the soil is fairly dry, but not if it is very wet. If there is a vinery or Peach house seeds may be sown in boxes there. Early Potatoes may be planted if there is a warm, sheltered border, but not in cold, exposed gardens. Shallots may be planted. Spinach and Turnips may be sown between the spaces to be occupied by rows of Peas. Tomatoes may be sown in pots, pans, or boxes, and placed in gentle heat.

Fruit

Fruit. - Planting may be proceeded with, if not already done. Pruning may also be attended to. In all cases use a sharp tool. Figs may be pruned. Small fruit which formed the previous year will not be of any use. Early Vines must be brought on gently in a temperature of 55° to 65°. The shoots must be disbudded. Melons may be sown in pots placed on a hotbed or on a shelf in a warm house. Early Peaches may be in bloom, and if so the trellis on which the shoots are tied should be sharply tapped to scatter the pollen. Strawberries in pots may be forced on a shelf.

Flower Garden

Flower Garden. - Cannas lifted from the ground the previous autumn may be started in gentle heat. Dahlias may also be put into a little heat to start cuttings. Herbaceous borders may be dressed, removing all dead growth. Planting and division may proceed. Roses may be planted. Sweet Peas may be sown in gentle heat. Tuberous Begonias (tubers) may be put into boxes of leaf mould and placed in gentle heat. Walks should be repaired if they require it.

Greenhouse and Conservatory

Greenhouse and Conservatory. - Arum Lilies will be coming into bloom, and will be benefited by liquid manure. Azaleas in pots may be put into gentle heat. Caladiums may be started in heat. Zonal Geraniums in bloom may have a little liquid manure twice a week. Gloxinias (tubers) may be started in heat. Lapagerias on the roof may be pruned. Primulas may be sown. Tuberoses may be potted and plunged in fibre preparatory to forcing.