Asparagus, Rhubarb, And Seakale

Continue the forcing of these vegetables in accordance with previous instructions.

Cauliflowers

If there are any Cauliflowers still unused, it would be well to lift them and lay them in a cool shed, otherwise they might be spoiled by hard frost.

Endive

If there is any Endive of full size, it will come in very useful for salads if blanched. Large empty flower pots inverted over the plants will serve to blanch them.

Lettuces In Frames

Young plants that are being grown in frames for winter salads should be ventilated in fine weather, and protected with mats or straw during frost.

Manuring Ground

Take the first opportunity of frost to cart and wheel manure, or to do any other work of transportation that may be necessary. Stable manure is always useful in a garden, and a heap of it accumulated now will steadily decay and come in useful later on if not required at present. Two barrow-loads of manure per square rod of ground (three if the ground is poor) is a fair allowance, and, as stated in the November chapter, it is best worked in below the surface in the process of bastard-trenching, thus deepening and enriching the soil at one operation. Among chemical manures, kainit and basic slag may be indicated as potash and phosphoric acid yielders respectively which may be dug in now. A quarter of a pound of each to the square yard may be used, and it is advantageous to turn them well below the surface.

Coal-ashes may be dug into stiff land in order to help to break it up, but not where Potatoes and Carrots are to be grown. Mortar rubbish from an old building, burnt garden refuse, and road sweepings are also useful. Lime may be used at the rate of two pounds per square yard if the soil is very rich; such an application will be better than more manure. Gas lime should never be used except on a fallow. It should be left a month on the surface of the soil, and another month should elapse before cropping the ground. Under these conditions, a pound per square yard may be used, and it will help to reduce wireworms and other ground pests. Soot at the rate of a pound per square yard is a good fertiliser.