Asparagus.--Make a slight hotbed of tree leaves, if they can be
procured, of size or substance sufficient only to cause a gentle heat.
The roots may be taken up from the open ground, and planted at once in
the bed. Mice and slugs to be looked after. Any vacant pits, or frames,
may be made available for the purpose of forcing Asparagus.
Cherries.--To be treated as advised for Peaches.
Cucumbers.--If the plants are strong, and you have a full command of
bottom and atmospheric heat, you may calculate, with a little attention,
upon ultimate success. Air to be admitted when it is safe to do so,
to get the leaves dry, if possible, daily. Light is indispensable, and
steep-roofed houses, or pits, are preferred for that object in winter.
The early nursing-box for young plants should be well supplied with
linings, the glass washed clean and kept in good repair.
Mushrooms.--Continue to prepare succession-beds as formerly directed.
The beds that have been in bearing some time, if the surface is dry, to
be watered with clear, weak liquid manure, a few degrees warmer than the
temperature of the house.
Peaches.--The early house should now be set in order, by being
thoroughly cleansed, whitewashed, and the trees pruned, dressed, and
tied. Air to be given during the day, and the house to be shut up at
night for a fortnight or three weeks, preparatory to the commencement of
forcing.
Pines.--The principal objects of attention during this dull season
should comprise a moderate declension of heat and moisture, and a
moderate supply of air at all times when it can be admitted with safety.
When heat is supplied by fermenting materials the linings will require
some sort of covering--as straw, fern, boards, or shutters--to protect
them from cold winds, frosts, or rains; only a gentle bottom heat is
now required at this, that should be, their season of rest, as a dry and
moderately warm atmosphere is nearly all they will require. If the young
plants are growing in pits heated solely by dung linings, be careful to
exclude the steam from the dung, as excess of damp will rot the hearts
of the plants.
Vines.--If early Grapes are required, it is advisable to adopt the
old-fashioned plan of placing some sweet hot dung inside the house, to
produce an atmosphere that is most congenial for softening the wood,
and for "breaking" the buds. The roots, if outside, to be covered with
a good depth of litter, to produce an increase of heat by fermentation,
and to prevent the escape of terrestrial heat. All Vines casting their
leaves to be pruned immediately.