Protecting Tropicals

Avoid fertilizing tropicals in the colder areas now. That includes citrus, banana, bougainvillea, stephanotis, hibiscus and ginger. Fertilizer applied at this time would encourage the plants to send out new growth that could be damaged by a subsequent cold spell.

Celtuce is a two-purpose vegetable; its leaves can be used as salad greens, and its stalk, when peeled, has the flavor and texture of celery heart. Seeds are seldom available at local nurseries; order them by mail from the W. Atlee Burpee Co., 300 Park Ave., Warminster, Pa. 18991.