The National tribune., 1882-03-25

SEAsONABLE OPERATIONS AND HINTS
Tomatoes, egg-plants, peppers, &c, should
be removed from the seed-bed when the
plants have made several leaves, or when
about two inches high, and transplanted
either in glazed frame in some sheltered
spot, where arrangements can be made for
covering them on cold nights and protect
them from drying cold winds. They should
be planted so that the lower leaves will
touch the surface of the ground, and set
about'two inches apart. To prevent them
from growing weak and tall, knife may be
run down occasionally in the soil between
the plants. This will also prepare them for
final transplanting, as each plant will then
have an adhering mass of soil thiclly per-
meated with roots
There is nothing to be gained by sowing
or planting crops before the soil and season
are fitted for them, but fresh vegetables are
so great luxury that many persons prefer to
make early paintings even at the risk of
failure. Early varieties of sweet corn, bush or
string beans, squash, or vegetable marrow, and
cucumbers may now be sown with hopes of
success, except in extremely rigorous regions
Instead of planting for large supply at once
il should be the rule to make successive
paintings, SO that the crops may follow each
other, and thus keep a constant supply of
tender, succulent vegetables. Repeating the
paintings when the plants of the preced-
ing appear above ground will insure
good succession. Lima beans okra and
melon seeds will not vegetate until the soil
is warm Preparation may be made for
Lima beans 10y inserting the poles, digging
the soil deeply around them, mixing in
portion of rotted manure, and forming
slightly rounded hills, so that the ground
will the sooner become dry and warm for
the seeds
Seeds Of rhubarb and asparagus should be
sown early, but where plants are obtainable
they are preferable to begin with in forming
plantations of limited extent in the house
garden. Old roots of rhubarb can be lifted
and divided into many plants. The soil can
hardly be over-manured for this crop. The
same IS true as regards asparagus; estab-
iished beds of the last will be much benefited
by an application of guano just as growth
commences.
Strawberries succeed best when planted
In strong loamy soil deeply worked They
should be planted as early as the ground is
In condition for working. Plant them in a
shallow furrow made with hoe or plow. not
over two inches in depth; in setting the
plants press the soil firmly about the roots.
but avoid covering the top or bud. Old or
fruiting plantations should not be disturbed
by hoe or cultivator until the cron IN
gathered. Formerly it was a general nrac-
tice to dig or fork the ground about the
plants in spring, but such disturbance of the
surface roots at this season is known IN he
very detrimental to the crop. Deep culture
of the soil is injurious to this crop after
planting; a mere scraping of the soil to pre-
vent the growth Of weeds is sufficient.
In setting out raspberry plants especial
care must be given so that the young buds
from which young shoots or canes are TO be
produced are not too deeply buried. Many
failures result from carelessness in this re-
gard. The old stem should be cit off close |
to the ground; it is of no further use, and |
any attempt to have fruit fronft will only |
De IuUile and disastrous to the growth of |
the plant
Dwarf pear trees are exceedingly interest