22 FEBRUARY 1952, Page 13

Preparing for Shallots

Among the early jobs in the vegetable-garden arc the putting in of parsnips and shallots. Some people are inclined to put down shallots too early. I doubt whether they gain in the long run. It is, however, as well to plant in time, and the third or fourth weeks of this month are neither too early nor too late in my opinion. Shallots are among the things that pay in proportion to the work put in before planting. The richer the ground the better. Put in plenty of good organic manure. Apart from assisting growth, it will help to conserve moisture during the critical dry periods, and prevent yellow foliage and rotting.

IAN NIALL. IAN NIALL.