THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 141, 11 December 1897, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

Beetroot. — If the Beetroot crops have failed, wholly or partially, and the seed laid long in the ground this year before starting, a Bowing should at once be made of Nutting's Select Blood Red, a quickgrowing variety, producing roots of a useful size even when the seed is sown so late as December. Although a Beetroot plant may be readily transplanted, the practice cannot be recommended except for filling up gaps in the rows ; the roots rarely attaining to a useful size, or having a good shape. Turnip-rooted or Egyptian Beet cornea in very quickly, and where early sown it is fit now for salads. It is the best variety for sowing on shallow soils. | Late Peas. — The latest oowiDg6 must now be made. Lax ton's Omega is one of the very best varieties for this purpose. The ground for this sewing should be made firm. Some seed of an early wrinkled variety, as William Hurst, may likewise be sown at this date, to come into use in advance of the later marrowfats. Vegetable Marrows. — These plants, now growing apaoe, should have the weaker bine thinned out and the stronger pegged down to the soil, to prevent a confused growth, and the better to get the blossoms. Those plants in bearing may be copiously afforded liquid -manure. As soon as the marrows are large enough for table use remove them from the plant, otherwise a lengthy succession of fruits cannot be expected. The month of February will be early enough to select fruit for ripening. Leeks. — If the late or main crop of Leeks is not yet planted, no further time should be lost. The soil must be well manured, and the plants set out in deep drills -drawn 16 to IS inches apart, 6 to 9 inches being the distance from plant to plant. As time goes on the drills may ba filled in, which will ensure 8 inches of blanched stem, a length sufficient for ordinary use. Early Leeks in trenches should be liberally supplied with liquid- manure, and earthed-up in good time.