The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers From Seeds and Roots | Page 9

the original arrangements. The width of the beds and of the alleys,
and the disposition of the plants, will have to be carefully considered,
so as to insure the best results of a costly procedure, and it will be
waste of time to begin forcing until the plants have attained their fourth
year. The rough method of market growers consists in the employment
of hot manure in trenches, and also on the beds, after the frames are put
on. The beds are usually four feet wide, the alleys two feet wide and
twenty inches deep, and the plants not more than nine inches apart in
the row, there being three or four rows of plants in the bed. The frames
are put on when forcing commences, but the lights are withheld until
the shoots begin to appear. Then the fermenting material is removed
from the beds, the lights are put on, and no air is given, mats being
added in cold weather, both to retain warmth and promote blanching.
This method produces a fair market sample, but a much better growth
may be obtained by a good hot-water system, as will be understood
from a momentary consideration of details. By the employment of
fermenting material the temperature runs up rapidly, sometimes
extravagantly, so that it is no uncommon event for the growth to
commence at 70° to 80° Fahr., which may produce a handsome sample,
but it will be flavourless. The hot-water system allows of perfect
control, and the prudent grower will begin at 50°, rise slowly to 60°,
and take care not to exceed 65°; the result will be a sample full of
flavour, with a finer appearance than the best obtainable by the rougher
method.
Forcing in frames is systematically practised in many gardens, and as it

exhausts the roots there must be a corresponding production of roots
for the purpose. The first requisite is a good lasting hot-bed, covered
with about four inches of light soil of any kind, but preferably
leaf-mould. The roots are carefully lifted and planted as closely as
possible on this bed, and covered with fine soil to a depth of six inches.
The sashes are then put on and kept close; but a little air may be given
as the heads rise, to promote colour and flavour. The heat will generally
run to 70°, and that figure should be the maximum allowed.
Experienced growers prefer to force at 60° or 65°, and to take a little
more time for the advantage of a finer sample.
==BROAD BEAN==
==Faba vulgaris==
The Broad Bean is a thrifty plant, as hardy as any in the garden, and
very accommodating as to soil. It is quite at home on heavy land, but in
common with nearly all other vegetables it thrives on a deep sandy
loam. Considering the productive nature of the plant and its
comparatively brief occupation of the ground, the common Bean must
be regarded as one of our most profitable garden crops. Both the
Longpod and Windsor classes should be grown. For general work the
Longpods are invaluable; they are early, thoroughly hardy, produce
heavy crops, and in appearance and flavour satisfy the world at large,
as may be proved by appeal to the markets. The Windsor Beans are
especially prized for their superior quality, being tender, full of flavour,
and, if well managed, most tempting in colour when put upon the table.
==For early crops== the Longpods claim attention, and sowings may
be made towards the end of October or during November on a dry soil
in a warm situation, sheltered from the north. Choose a dry day for the
operation. On no account should the attempt be made while the soil
conditions are unfavourable, even if the sowing is thereby deferred for
some time. The distance must depend upon the sorts, but two feet will
answer generally as the distance between the double rows; the two lines
forming the double rows may be nine inches apart, and the seed two
inches deep. On strong ground a distance of three feet can be allowed
between the double rows, but it is not well to give overmuch space,

because the plants protect each other somewhat, and earliness of
production is the matter of chief moment. Thoroughly consolidate the
soil to encourage sturdy hard growth which will successfully withstand
the excessive moisture and cold of winter. It is an excellent practice to
prepare a piece of good ground sloping to the south, and on this to
make a plantation in February of plants carefully lifted from the seed
rows, wherever they can be spared as proper thinnings. These should be
put in double rows, three feet apart. If transplanted with care they will
receive but a slight check, and will give a successional supply.
==Main Crops.==--Another