THERE is little that can be
done in the garden at this time of year provided all digging was completed before Christmas and the spread compost dug in. But we now have gales to contend. with and all young trees
must , be carefully' watched, loosened ground firmed down, and props strengthened whenever they work loose or split. Branches that overhang shed roofs can do a Iot of damage in a gale by ripping off the felting.
Gardeners who make a practice of keeping a diary can spend profitable hours indoors this month checking last year's notes and planning work for the coming spring. This applies to the vegetable even more than to the flower garden. So many people complain that they cannot grow this, that or the other vegetable successfully, but don't trouble to find out why. Quite often it is a question of position. I have failed miserably with spinach as well as with parsley in one part of a garden and had luxuriant crops in another; and the same with onions; and where potatoes are concerned it is of the first importance to find out which kind grows well in which particular soil.
A local nurseryman is the best person to apply to on this point, but any one of the well-known seedsmen will give advice about soil generally. I have found Arran Banner a reliable potato for almost any kind of soil, as well as Majestic, and Arran Consul is generally a good choice on poor
ground. J. H.