GARLIC

Allium sativura



The mode of culture advised for Shallots will suit Garlic also, except

that the latter should be planted in February about two inches beneath

the surface of the soil, and the bulbs may be grown closer together,

about eight or nine inches apart each way.



When large bulbs are required for exhibition or other purposes, the

cloves--as the divisions of each root are called--should be planted

separately; but for general use moderate-sized bulbs, planted whole,

will produce a heavier crop.





GOURD and PUMPKIN



(Cucurbita)



Gourds and Pumpkins may be grown to perfection by precisely the same

method recommended for Ridge Cucumbers; but as the plants occupy more

space, room must be left for them to extend south wards beyond the

limits of the ridge. It is well to put out strong plants from seeds sown

in pots in April or May, and protect them until established. If these

are not obtainable, the seed may be sown where the plants are intended

to stand, and there will in time be plenty of produce, but of course

somewhat later in the season than if strong plants had been put out in

the first instance. Keep a sharp look-out for slugs, which will flock in

from all quarters to feast upon them, but will scarcely touch them after

they have been planted a week or so. Any rough fermenting material, such

as grass mowings, may be used in making the hills, to give them the aid

of a warm bed for a brief space of time, and it is a great gain if they

grow freely from the first. Later on the natural heat will be enough for

them.



The edible Gourds are useful in all their stages and ages; and if the

cultivator has a fancy to grow large, handsome fruits, he can make the

business answer by hanging them up for use in winter, when they may be

employed in soups in place of Carrots, or in addition to the usual

vegetables, and may indeed be cooked in half a dozen different ways.

There remains yet one more purpose to which the plants may be applied:

supposing you have a great plantation of edible Gourds and Marrows, and

would like a peculiarly elegant and delicious dish of Spinach, pinch off

a sufficiency of the tops of the advancing shoots, and cook them Spinach

fashion. If properly done, it is one of the finest vegetables ever

eaten. As pinching off the tender tops of the shoots lessens the

fruitfulness of the vines, we only recommend this procedure where there

is a large plantation.



Gourds may be trained to trellises, fences, and walls. In all such

cases, a good bed should be prepared of any light, rich loam, and it

will be none the less effective if made on a mound of fermenting

material.