Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-03-06
Plantation Garden for the South.
BY T. AFFLECK.


These directions for the management Of the
Plantation Garden, being prepared for the
latitude Of Nutchez, Mss, can uery easily be
adapted TO degree or t,Oo farther north or
south. s.t .s...r =:
The garden is primary object on eve
ry plantation. Much is saved by it; and
much added TO the health and comfort Of
the laborers. Wholesome, well-cooked
vegetables are preferable to anything else,
during hot weather. The garden must be
proportioned in extent to the number to be
supplied from it. For one of some size,
instead of a spot laid off in small beds, to
be cultivated exclusively with the spade
and hoe, select piece Of good ground, no
matter what the exposure. Shape, if pos
sible, an oblong square; run one main CEN
ire walk Or road Iengthwise; and such 9TH
ers as may be requisite; and enclose the
whole with good and sufficient fence.
Even though naturally. very rich, add
coat of weIl-rotted manure, as early as
practicable in the winter; and Immediately
turn it under, by running two good plows
in the furrow, one behind the other-thus
blowing it to the depth Of ten inches, or as
deep as the soil will admit of, even turning
up little OF the subsoil, if not possibly
bad. When in this rough state, even a
slight freezing is of great advantage. AS
the ground is needed for planting, give
top-dressing Of manure or rich compost,
turning. it under with light pillow; and if
at all cloddy, run the harrow over it. AS
more correct and particular directions can
he given, and with less repetition, where
each variety Of vegetables is treated Of sep
arateIy, that plan is here adopted, in pref
erence to giving monthly calendar.
Potatoes.-The sweet and the Irish po-
taoe are vegetables of great importance.
They are cultivated here in the same man.
ner as in the middle states, and should be
planted as early as March or April.
Iaunips are sown from the Goth Of July
to last Of September sowing three or four
separate patches, AT as many different times.
They are usually sown broad east, but
would pay wei! for the trouble of drilling
and tending. The turnip patch is most
/ commoniy enriched by penning the COWS
OIL the spot intended Cor it-bul piece of
newly cleared ground is better, producing
sWeer roots and fewer weeds.
Cabbogos are produced abundantIy in
the south, if properly managed. and arc
the tavOri!e vegetable on a plantation.-
| a. 4 II, Il,
stable manure. For early sp.irg use,
make several sowings Of seed from the
middle of August to first of October, Of ear.
IIv York. sugar loaf. &c. During very
aold weather, protect the young plants with
pine bougiis, or magnolia leaves; or with
stiff brush laid between the rows and GOV.
cred with corn stalks and other Hitter
) Plant out early in February. For summer
use, SOW in January, protecting as above
plant out when large enough. For winter
use, SOW drumhead or other large sorts, in
April; let them stand in the nursery beds
all summer, when they will run up tall
stem; during the rains in August, set them
out in rich ground laying their long stems
in SO doep as just to leave their heads ou
of the ground. If planted out sooner they
will rot; ii sowed much later than April
they will not head; and the roots being
placed tolerably deep in the ground, ena-
bles the plants to stand the autumna
drought. Plants from seeds grown in the
South will not head.
Okra.-A large mess Of okra soup
(calIed gumbo,) should be served on every
plantation at least four days in the week
while the vegetable IS in season. The
pods are gathered while still tender enough
to be cut with the thumb nail, cut into thir
slices. and with tomatoes, pepper, &c.
= added to the rations of meat, forms a rlcl
muclIaglnous soup. 1t is planted abou
the first of March, in drills four feet apart
> leaving plant every two and half o.
three feet, if the ground is rich, which i
- should be. J..
Peas.-Athough the dwarf, marrow
fat, charlton, &C., are occasionally growl
in sufficient quantity for plantation use. i
:. is but rarely. They would form an excel
lent and wholesome addition to the rations
The crowder and common COW peas bein.
OF easy culture, requiring no sticks, bein!
great bearers, and lasting all summer, ar
l. indispensable. In winter, the ripe pea
: form fine variety. They are planted a
W any time from the first of February 10 tn
last of July, either among the corn or a
lone. in drills three feet apart, leaving
= plant at every foot.
or Beans.-Kidney or snap beans ar
planted in succession during March. pr
aud May either in hills two and hal
1 feet apart, or in rows three feet apart, leav