CHAPTER LXIII
Little Gardeners’ Calendar
THE following plan was given to Mary Frances and Eleanor by the boys.
They called it—
The Little Gardeners’ Calendar
In Mid-Winter or January, plan out your garden, drawing a map and filling in space.
A little later, in February, get the hotbed ready, and spray roses with Bordeaux Arsenate of Lead, remembering it is a violent poison. Use one tablespoon to a quart of water. This will help prevent mildews and fungi.
In March, or even in February, study seed catalogue and order seeds.
Plant some seeds in the hotbed.
Prepare some of the out-door seed beds by spading and manuring.
In April, transplant hardier plants to cold frame, or open ground.
Spray everything again.
If weather is warm enough, sow seeds out of doors.
In May, sow seeds of some annuals and vegetables out-of-doors.
Look out for weeds: kill them while young.
In June, plant seeds and seedlings in open ground.
In July, plant late seeds; carrots, turnips, etc.
In August, start perennials for next year. Weed!
In September, order bulbs needed.
Move flowering plants which are not in right place.
In October, save seeds of annual flowers, labeling each envelope carefully.
Set out bulbs, unless you live below or near the Mason and Dixon line; November is a better time in that case.
In November, rake up leaves and make into compost heap. Throw a little lime among them. Never burn them. They make humus.
Take up summer bulbs and store them carefully.
Spread manure over the ground to be spaded in the Spring.
Hill earth about six inches high over rose bush roots.
Spread litter and leaves over bulbs and perennials to protect them during winter.
In December, trim dead wood from rose bushes.
Destroy nests of cocoons, burning them, and read the Mary Frances Garden Book.