490 VILLA GARDENING 



CHAPTER XXIV 



The Beet. — As a salad jjlant Beetroot possesses considerable 

 value, which the general public are only just discovering. In first- 

 class establishments it has long been cultivated, and ought to find 

 its way into every middle-class household ■ if known, it would be 

 appreciated in every intelligent cottager's also. The seeds of the 

 Turnip-rooted Beet may be sown about the midtUe of Maixh for 

 early use, as this variety is large enough for use long before any 

 of the long-rooted kinds are ready, which forms its chief value. 

 The drills should be 15 inches apart, and half an inch deep. 

 Thin the plants out to 8 inches apart ; they are fit for use as 

 soon na large enough. I only sow thus in advance to obtain a 

 few early roots for the simimer salads. JMedium-sized roots are 

 better in all respects than large coarse ones, and to obtain these 

 the main crop should not be sown before the middle or end of 

 April. The soil shoidd be deep and friable, and if it he of a 

 porous nature a dressing of salt will he beneficial The drills 

 should be from 12 to 15 inches apart, and cover the seeds about 

 half an inch deep. Single out the young plants as soon as 

 large enough, to 8 or 10 inches apart. The land must be kept 

 free from weeds by a frequent use of the hoe, but the skin of the 

 roots is tender and very susceptible of injury from a careless use 

 of the tool. The plants will traiLsplant when young if it should 

 be needful, and some people think the best-shaped roots may be 

 obtained by transplanting ; but to secure well-shaped roots the 

 yoimg plants must be carefully lifted, special care Ijcing taken not 

 to injure the tap-root either in taking the plants up or in planting 

 them again. If the taji-root does not get a proper insertion in the 

 ground the roots may be malformed. 



LiFTiXG AXD Storing. — This mast take place before frost 

 comes sharp enough to injure vegetable tissue. It is not generally 

 safe to leave them out unprotected after the middle of October iu 

 districts where the autumn frosts are severe. If protected with 

 tree leaves, dry Fern, or dry litter, they will keep in the ground 

 all winter. Some people think they are better flavoured when left 

 in the ground ; but if well kept and packed in rather dry sand, in 

 a cool place, there is not much deterioration. The colour seems 

 to be held in very loosely, for it oozes out at the least puncture, 

 and no damage or injury must be done in lifting. The tops may 

 be shortened, but not cut close up to the crowns. The best way 

 is to twist the leaves oflF with the right hand, and as soon as the 



