256 VEGETABLE FORCING 



will mature over a much shorter period than they will 

 when thinning is not practiced, and they will be larger 

 and more uniform in size and shape. 



Some growers allow only ^ to 4 * ncn f space be- 

 tween plants of the smallest varieties, but this is too 

 close for the best development of most varieties. The 

 more generally approved plan is to thin to from 8 

 to 10 plants per each linear foot of row. An inch and a 

 half between plants is sufficient space for most turnip- 

 shaped sorts. An occasional grower allows 2 inches. 

 Larger roots are produced when the spacing is liberal, 

 and higher prices for them may justify the practice. 



Intercropping. When radishes are used for inter- 

 cropping with lettuce and cauliflower, it is important to 

 select varieties of light foliage and to see that the plants 

 are not crowded. If ample space is allowed between the 

 rows as well as between the plants in the rows, good 

 roots may be grown, and there will be no appreciable 

 interference with the lettuce or cauliflower. 



Watering. A constantly moist bed provides ideal con- 

 ditions for the radish. Over-watering, especially if tem- 

 peratures are too high, is likely to cause damping-off of 

 the seedlings. If they escape this disease, they will be- 

 come top heavy and the roots will be small and late in 

 maturing. 



Beds should be watered thoroughly after the seed is 

 sown, and sufficient water should be used at this time 

 to require no further applications until the plants are up 

 and ready to thin. When sowings are made under glass 

 in warm, bright weather, two or three waterings may be 

 necessary to supply moisture until the plants are up. 



The beds are likely to dry out more rapidly next to 

 the walks, and dry spots may appear here and there which 

 will require extra applications of water. Such places may 

 be watered very quickly with a special nozzle attached 

 to a hose. Excessive watering when the radishes are 



