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LETTUCE (Summer). Begin in March to sow very thinly in drills,
half a row at a time, 1/2 in. deep, the rows being 1 ft. apart. Continue to
sow at fortnightly intervals until July. March-sown lettuces attract slugs,
so line the surface as a deterrent.
Thin the seedlings when the first pairs of true leaves
are well formed. The final distance apart should be from 9 to 12 in.
RADISHES If you like radishes, you can make a small sowing in
March (1/2 in. deep) and follow up with sowings about every three weeks
until May, to keep up a continuous supply.
PARSLEY Make a sowing of parsley in March (1/2 in. deep) and a
second sowing in July for succession. Thin seedlings to 3 to 4 in. apart.
ONIONS The Ministry's cropping plan provides for eight rows of
onions. There are three ways of growing them for storage:––
(1) by sowing seed under glass or in warm frames in January and February,
and transplanting in April;
(2) by sowing seed in the open in February or March;
(3) by sowing in early autumn and transplanting in March.
By sowing in boxes, seed can be made to yield the maximum number of
plants. The second method is popular and can be freely practised almost
anywhere; but where soils are difficult to work or onion fly is troublesome,
the other methods are recommended. |
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The
onion bed must always be carefully prepared whatever method you use. Soil
should have been dug early (before Christmas) and manured liberally.
Firmness of soil is essential.
Early sowing is also important, and the bed should be prepared as soon as
soil is dry enough to work in February or March, that is, when it does not
stick to the boots. Tread it both ways and rake level, removing all large
stones. The seed drills should be drawn 9 to 12 in. apart and about 1 in.
deep. Sow seed fairly thinly and evenly and cover it with earth with the
feet or back of rake. The soil requires to be gently consolidated by another
light treading or by using a light roller.
Onion seed is rather fickle; it may germinate well or badly, and quickly or
slowly according to weather conditions; but 1 oz. of seed should be
sufficient for at least 100 feet. As a rule, it takes about three weeks to
come up. It is a good plan to mix with it a little radish seed; this will
germinate quickly and mark the rows, making it possible to cultivate and
weed between them before the slower germinating onions com through, when the
radishes can be pulled for salad. Autumn-sown onions should be transplanted
in early March on to the prepared onion bed. Plant (see illustration) in
rows 1 ft. apart with about 6 in. between plants (for large onions).
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