Second Week

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.



Continue to admit air in favourable weather, but not in currents; shut

up early; use water sparingly, and always tepid--giving little or none

to succulents and plants in a state of rest.



Flowers.--Where there is a pit at liberty it may now be prepared for

forcing flowers. The glass must be thoroughly cleaned, as light is of

importance at this season. The tree leaves when gathered to be mixed

with a portion of well-prepared dung, to produce an early action, and

about nine inches of tan or sawdust placed over them in which to

plunge the pots. The plants, if in proper condition, may be introduced

immediately--viz. Azaleas, Camellias, Persian Lilacs, Gardenias, Moss

and Provence Roses, Rhododendrons, Sweet Briars, Honeysuckles, &c.

The Hyacinths, Narcissi, Tulips, and other bulbs that have been potted

early, as advised in due season, may be introduced successively in small

quantities when the buds are an inch or two long, plunging them in any

out-of-the-way part of the pit, covering them for a time with four or

five inches of old tan.



Heaths and New Holland Plants.--Water them sparingly. Dry the atmosphere

if necessary by lighting a slight fire on fine days. Give air freely.



Pelargoniums.--Shift and tie out as they may require. A few of the most

forward may be accelerated by a little heat.



Primroses (Chinese).--Water with caution. Two or three small pegs to be

stuck into the soil around each, to keep the stem and plant erect in the

pot. Thin out weak and deformed bloom-buds.





STOVE AND ORCHID-HOUSE.



The resting section of Orchids should now be allowed to settle down

gently to their annual repose by withholding water at the root, by

diminishing the amount of atmospheric moisture, and by giving a more

liberal ventilation than in the growing season. The more evergreen

kinds--such as some of the Aerides, Dendrobiums, Saccolabiums, Vandas,

&c., to be favoured with the warmest situation.





FORCING-HOUSES.



Asparagus.--Where it is wanted early, preparations should now be made

for forcing it. Any old Cucumber or Melon-bed that still retains a

gentle heat may be used for the purpose. The plants to be placed as

closely as possible, and covered with three or four inches of any light

soil. The application of linings will supply any deficiency of heat that

may be caused by severe weather. When the heads come up, to be supplied

with an abundance of light and air.



Cherries.--Look over the plants in pots, and if they require shifting

into larger pots it may be done at once. The pots to be plunged in coal

ashes, or any other loose material, to protect the roots from frost, and

where they will commence rooting immediately.



Figs.--If the summer and autumn attention has been given to them, as

advised, very little, if any, winter pruning will now be required; but

if such is necessary it may be done as soon as the leaves fade. The

trees to be carefully washed clean all over with soap and water, and

then painted over with a mixture composed of one ounce of soft soap and

one ounce of sulphur to a quart of water. Trees in pots to be shifted,

or top-dressed, as may be necessary. Shifting is only recommended when

it is desirable to increase the size of the trees. To be afterwards

placed in a shed with the pots plunged in leaves.



Pines.--The plants on which the fruit has recently appeared to be

encouraged with heat and moderate moisture; but those that are likely to

"show" for the next two months to be supplied with a temperature to keep

them progressing slowly that they may be just beginning to swell their

fruit when the days and sun are lengthening and strengthening. The state

of temperature of the beds recently renewed with tan to be examined

frequently, as they sometimes become suddenly too hot. Now, when Oak and

other tree leaves can be collected, it is advisable to use half leaves

and half dung for lining the pits heated by fermenting materials; the

leaves contribute to make the heat more regular and lasting. Give no

water to the succession plants during dull weather except to such

plants as are near the flues and pipes, and are apt to get over-dry in

consequence.



Sea-kale.--If this delicious vegetable is wanted early, a small hotbed

should be made in some convenient place; the roots to be taken up and

placed upon it, covered with a little light soil, and protected by

boards or any other contrivance most convenient and suitable to exclude

light and the inclemency of the weather.



Rhubarb.--The same as advised for Sea-kale. Where a Mushroom-house is at

work is the best place for both.



Vines.--All fading leaves to be removed from the Vines on which fruit

is hanging, and the house to be kept dry, light, and airy, and free from

anything likely to create mould or damp.