Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1847-05-06
Agricultural Department.

GARpENtNe OPERATIoNs.-1t is well to be in
readiness for the commencement Of gardening ope-
raons at the earliest period which the state OF the
weather aud the condition Of the soil will admit
Some articles can hardly be put in the ground too
soon afer the frost has left it, This is the case
with peas ettuccs radishes, early cabbagcs, pars-
neps spinach, parsley. SC. IL is rare that these
plants are killed by rfosts that occur after the sea
son has so far advanced that the ground has once
become fairly settled,
For peas the earliest varieties, such as the early
Washington the Prince Albert, and the Cedo-nulli,
should be chosen, and they should be planted the
warmest aud most sheltered Soils Parsneps and
spinach, also may be sown in the open air as soon
as the ground can be worked.
Il is a great advantage to give some plants start
in hot.bed particularly lettuces cabbage, cncum-
bers, tomatoes, and egg.pants BY forcing in this
way. several weeks may be gained over plants grown
in the open air. The chief advantage of raising
plants by this mode of artificial heat, is to have
them in an advanced state by the time II will do to
transfer them 10 the open grounds; but cucumbers
and early radishes may remain in the beds till they
are so Ear matured as to be fit for use.
In this latitude il is not deemed advisable TO start
hot beds until March, but farther south, they may
be put in operation in February. 1t is of but little
use 10 force plants which are designed to be alter
wa:ds transferred 10 the open air, until the spring
has commenced, aud there is probability that the
weather would not be so severe after they are sci
out as to seriously check their growth |, is an in-
iur, to keep them in the hotbed after they have
reached the proper size for setting out the effect
is 10 draw them up" as it is called, giving them
long slender STEMS which prevents their growth.
Hot.beds should be sunk in the ground to the
depth OF eighteen inches or two feet. They re-
quire large supply Of moisture, and il made who'll
" on the surface they dry up so rapidly that the
must be watered great deal. IT, however, it be-
comes necessary to make the bed on wet ground,
no excavation need be made the GOODNESS OF such
situation might prevent the manure from ierment-
ing, If deeply placed in the earth.
The weather may be so cold as 10 render il ne.
cessary to straw mats TO keep the air in the
beds Of requisite temperature. But they are liable
TO become at times too hot hence they should be
often examined, and the proper temperature secur
ed by sliding the glasses; always admitting as much
Of the external air as the pants will bear Water
should be given frequently.
deep mellow soil is all important for gardens
and the Of the subsoil plough may be adopted
TO good advantage, in situations where teams car
be made to work In general. however, garden
work must be done by the spade. For most gar
den purposes, roted manure is preferable Com
posts, which were formed the year previous, anC
have been well worked several times, I'LL ihe)
have become thoroughly fine, are best for most pnr
poses good compost is made of two p irts o
stable barn manure, two Of peat or muck,
one of tough grass sods, aud one Of eached ashes
mixed as equally rs possible in heap. II put up
in the summer, the mass will soon undergo fer
mentalion and by being worked over aud re piled
it will be in excellent condition for use the mex
spring, and will show its good qualities all kinds
Of vegetation
Asparagus beds should be forked over as soon II,
the ground has settled, and good dressing of com
post worked in Salt is also recommended
dressing for asparagus, and of the opinion
that il is beneficial II probably operates fayorabI,
in two ways. Asparagus is said to be marine
plant, growing naturally in soils impregnated BY
salt water hence it concluded that salt forms
important part Of its food 1t will unqueslionably
bear larger quantity of salt than plants generally
and by applying liberal dressing of the substance
TO asparagus beds, the weeds and noxious plant.
are killed. leaving the asparagus full possession o
the sol-AU Caitivdtor