SEASONAL REMINDERS - Continued
NOVEMBER
Flower seeds and bulbs may be planted this month of the same
varieties as in October. Cuttings of all the herbaceous plants should
be made and potted, for use in the house and for the borders next
season. The coldframes should also be put in order. Some of the
bulbs for winter forcing should be selected and potted. One of the
best Louisiana gardeners recommends the following treatment:
Select good, strong bulbs and plant them in rich, light soil, in 5-in.
pots, covering them about half an inch. Water well and bury the pots
6 or 8 in. deep in the ground, leaving them there about five weeks,
when the bulbs will be found to be well rooted. From this time gradually
expose to the light, and they will soon put forth blooms.
The same vegetables may be sown as for October, and the late cabbage
seed planted. The Flat Dutch and Drumhead strains are prime
favorites. New sowings of peas, turnips, mustard, and radishes should
be made, and the hotbeds prepared and set out to cucumbers. Too
much care cannot be taken that the manure should be in the best condition
possible, so that a good supply of heat may be depended upon.
The cucumbers planted last month will be ready now for setting in the
hotbeds, and a winter crop forced.
Orchard and vineyard planting.--This is the time to prepare land.
That on which a late crop of cowpeas has grown is well suited for the
purpose, and should be plowed deeply and well worked over. Towards
the last of the month it should be cultivated again, in order to be ready
for the trees next month.
DECEMBER
Lawns and yards need watching this month, and attention should
be paid to the old leaves and fall rubbish, which makes the yard look
untidy. A good place for the leaves is the compost heap. Hedges
should be put in shape and the surface drains kept open. Shrubs
and roses should be pruned for an early supply of flowers. The Camellia
Japonicas are now in bloom, and care should be taken that the
small branches are not torn off, instead of being cut properly. Many
of these most beautiful of southern ornamental trees have been ruined
by careless plucking of flowers.
Garden and orchard.--Many of the fall vegetables may be sown this
month and others sown for a succession. Peas, spinach, roquette,
radishes, lettuce, endive, and some Early York cabbage should also be
sown. In the old spent hotbeds, tomatoes, peppers, and egg-plants
may be started; there will not be enough heat to hurry them, and
good, strong stocky plants will be secured if care is taken. Irish
potatoes may be risked, should there be a favorable time for planting
during the latter part of the month. Usually they are planted in
January. The chances are about equal should they be planted late
this month. Nuts of all kinds, both for budding and otherwise,
should be planted. Some of the best Louisiana pecans are said to
come true from seed, and may be sown where they are intended to
grow.
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