THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

Evening Post, Volume LVI, Issue 74, 24 September 1898, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

Seed Failures. — Failures to secure a good, even plant are not always due to bad seed. More often than not the cultivator is at fault— sowing the seed too early, or not protecting sufficiently from enemies. If there have been failures commence remedial measures at once. It is somewhat late to sow more Onion seed in the places where that first sown has failed, but when the seedlings are about 4in high they transplant readily J in showery weather. The Long-rooted j Beet, transplanted, rarely forms good roots, ! but if more seed is sown where the blanks J occur directly these are seen appearances j will be saved, and serviceable roots piobably result. The Turnip-rooted variety transplants fairly well, and may be employed for filling up gaps. Carrots move badly, and more seed should be sown where failures occur. It is not yet too late to start afresh. After the middle of October, Nantes, Early Horn, Intermediate, or Guerande may well be sown in preference to the coarser varieties, the roots of these keeping admirably. If the seed is sown in drills lOinor 12in apart and the plants are not severely thinned, a surprising weight of roots of superior quality can be had from quite a small breadth of ground. Even Parsnips may yet be sowu with a good prospect of serviceable roots being obtained. If more Turnips are required sow seed again at once, and at the same time apply a light sprinkling of guano or a dressing of soot. Small sowings of Turnips at short intervals are preferable to sowing larger breadths less often. It is not yet too late to sow Parsley, strong young plants transplanting well. Lottuces should now be sown at intervals of a fortnight or so where the plants are to heart in. Sowings may yet be made of early Broccoli, Autumn Cauliflower, Borecole, Brussels Sprouts and Savoy Cabbage. Avoid sowing thickly. The Use of the Hoe. — Stir the surface ' soilJJ is the advice frequently given, and it is too good to become hackneyed. Soon tho various crops will be showing themselves in the garden, and Spring and Summer sunshine following rain, wUI cake and harden the surface. This will crack, and the moißture that it is advisable to conserve will escape. To hoe ground, except weeds are growing, might strike a novice as being superfluous labour ; but gardeners know bettor, and to assist the maturity of plants there is nothing better than frequently and thoroughly stirring the surface soil with the hoe. More particularly does this apply to stiff clayey soil, the surface of whioh bakes exceedingly during drought.

Cyclists should wear flexible braces while liding, instead of the bait many are j prone to use. I