Asparagus.--If the soil in the bed is dry, give it a liberal supply
of water, so that it may descend to the roots, as unproductiveness is
sometimes caused by the soil at the roots being very dry when the top is
kept moist by gentle waterings.
Beans (Dwarf Kidney).--Sow every three weeks, if a constant supply is
wanted. Keep the early crops well supplied with water, and give them
frequent sprinklings overhead, to prevent the attacks of red spider.
Mushrooms.--An abundance of water to be thrown about the floors. If the
beds are dry, to be syringed with lukewarm water, applying it like dew
at intervals for a few hours. Temperature from 50 deg. to 60 deg., with
air occasionally in favourable weather.
Peaches.--Continue previous directions. The trees in bloom to be
artificially impregnated, and the foreright shoots to be rubbed off
a few at a time before they become too large. Currents of air to be
carefully avoided, especially when the trees are in bloom, as they have
been sometimes observed to sustain injury from the two end doors
being left open for a short time. Air to be given at the top daily in
favourable weather.
Pines.--As the days lengthen and the light increases the plants that are
swelling their fruit should be supplied with a gradual increase of heat
(from 65 deg. at night to 75 deg. or 80 deg. in the middle of the day in
clear weather), water, and atmospheric moisture; while others that
are in bloom and starting into fruit require more air or more moderate
temperature, care in watering and less atmospheric humidity. Some of
the strongest succession plants that are grown in pots to receive their
final shift, that they may make their growth for fruiting in May or
June. In old-fashioned pits or houses, where the flues run near the
tan-bed, the plants should be closely examined, as they are apt to be
injured by fire heat in such a situation.
Strawberries.--A few dozens more pots may be placed in a frame where
there is a gentle heat and an atmosphere more congenial to their healthy
growth than in a house.
Vines.--When they have made shoots two or three inches long, the night
temperature to range from 60 deg. to 65 deg., with an increase of from 5
deg. to 10 deg. during the day.