GARDEN NOTES.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 8932, 24 October 1894, Page 2

GARDEN NOTES.

" Weekly Press." Seed of Brussels Sprouts sown in the open now will provide good sprouts in quantity, and large enough for most purposes. For this crop special cultivation will be necessary, placing the manure under the first spit, giving the plants ample space between the rows —.sit is none too much—and balf the distance between the plants. In many gardens, ground for these and similar long-standing croDs can be prepared iv the winter. Ibis is an advantage, as it becomes -so lid i fled, causing the young plants to make a firm, dwarf growth. In planting the early-sown plants, the best posit ion should Deselected and the plants shifted with a ball. To guard agsiust cold wiuds and drought;, draw deep drills previous to planting, this sheltering the plants, and If watering is necessary it goes direct to tbe roots. Tho stem can also be supported as growth increases by moulding up later op. In heavy, cold" land there is more difhculty in getting the soil..into condition. In unsuitable soils much assistance may be given at planting by using old material from frames, placing a small quantity round each plant as.the work proceeds. Broccoliseed isbest sown thinly;if crowded, the plants are apt to grow up weakly. Sow Freucb and .Runner Beans in drillsabout 2ft apart for the Freuch Beans; Runners may be allowed 3ft. As the first crop is often a precarious one, attention is necessary to get tho best results. In heavy soils lighter material for covering the seeds may be used and the ground for the crop should have been thoroughly prepared previously. F_r the first crop an early dwarf variety should be sown and in rather deep drills, not filling up level with the surface, as deep drills shelter the crop nnd as growth advances admit of moie soil being drawn to the plants to protect them. Should sharp frosts occur, it is an easy matter to cover tbe rows, taking off the litter early in the day. If Cardoons are required sow iv rows 3ft 6iu to ,fc asunder, and put three seeds at every 18tn, to be afterwards thinned to one. The land should have been deeply dug and richly manured. Unless tbe soil be very light and dry it is not necessary to make trenches. At higher elevation than ours and in the southern districts it will be best to sow two"or more seeds in -in pots, and raise them In a cold frame, afterwards reduce the plants to one in each pot, and plant them out at a later period. Where Strawberry plants are required only for propagation by runners, the flowers should be removed. Keep the hoe going among the Onions so as to check weeds, and prevent tbe ground cracking on the surface. Beet may be sown vow. The Turnip-routed forms are tbe quickest in attaining a serviceable size, and are also the best for dry, .shallow soils. On heavy strong ground tbey usually become too large for storing, and In this case, should only be sown for affording early loots. Ground that waa well manured for the preceding crop will usually be quite lich enough for Beet, and if well formed roots are de.ired bury manure deeply, if any is used. Open shallow drills 12in to 18in apart for tbe early and short-topped varieties and 2ft asunder for any that «row somewhat strong. Sow the seed thinly. Carrots are apt to become too coarse and to crack badly when the seed is sown early. Now' Is a good lime to sow, and the ground xhould be prepared much as advised for the-'Beet. Naturally the cleanest, best formed roots are had from a sandy, free working soil, and heavy, lumpy ground must ba made a* fine as possible before sowing the seed. The drill for the Nantes Horn or other good stump-rooted forms may be drawn I2in asunder and the rest 18iu apart.