Gardening for the Million eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 262 pages of information about Gardening for the Million.

Gardening for the Million eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 262 pages of information about Gardening for the Million.

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Radish.—­For an early supply sow on a gentle hotbed under a frame in January, February, and March.  For succession sow thinly on a warm and sheltered border early in March.  Follow on with sowings in the open till the middle of September.  The Black Spanish and China Rose should be sown during August and September for winter use.  Lift in November, and store in sand in a cool place.  Radishes should be liberally watered in dry weather, and the soil made rich and light some time before sowing commences.

Ragged Robin.—­See “Lychnis.”

Ragwort.—­See “Jacobaea.”

Ramondia Pyrenaica.—­A pretty dwarf perennial, suitable for moist interstices of rock-work.  It should be planted in a slanting position, so that the roots, while absorbing plenty of moisture, will not rot through being continually in stagnant water.  Peat soil suits it best.  It may be increased by division in spring.  If grown from seed it takes two years before flowers are produced.  During the height of summer it is in full beauty.

Rampion.—­The roots are used in cooking, and also for salads.  For winter use sow in April in rows 12 in. apart, covering the seeds lightly with fine mould, and thin out to 4 in. apart.  Sow at intervals for a succession.

Ranunculus.—­These prefer a good stiff, rather moist, but well-drained loam, enriched with well-rotted cow-dung, and a sunny situation.  February is probably the best time for planting, though some prefer to do it in October.  Press the tubers (claws downwards) firmly into the soil, placing them 2 or 3 in. deep and 4 or 5 in. apart.  Cover them with sand, and then with mould.  Water freely in dry weather.  Protect during winter with a covering of dry litter, which should be removed in spring before the foliage appears.  They flower in May or June.  Seeds, selected from the best semi-double varieties, sown early in October and kept growing during the winter, will flower the next season.  They may likewise be increased by off-sets and by dividing the root.  The claws may be lifted at the end of June and stored in dry sand.  The plants are poisonous.  Height, 8 in. to 12 in.

Raphiolepis Ovata.—­Beautiful evergreen shrubs, producing long spikes of white flowers in June.  A compost of loam, peat, and sand is their delight.  Cuttings will strike in sand under glass.  Height, 4 ft.

Raspberries.—­A rich, moist, loamy soil is most suitable for their cultivation.  Suckers are drawn by the hand from the old roots any time between October and February, and set in groups of three in rows 6 ft. apart.  If taken in October, the young plants may be pruned early in November.  It is usual to cut one cane to the length of 3 ft., the second one to 2 ft., and the third to within a few inches of the ground.  As soon as the year’s crop is gathered, the old bearing shoots are cut clean away, the young canes are drawn closer together, and

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Gardening for the Million from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.