32 VE'.'RT-ABLE dltOWISG /T SEW SOmi WALES. 



Vegetable Crops* 



In this section, a number of vegetables that are commonly grown in New 

 South Wales are dealt with in detail. In some cases the cultural methods 

 are discussed under the heading of one plant, and are not repeated under 

 other plants of the same class, so that the reader will sometimes find it more 

 convenient to read the longer article in conjunction with the one on the 

 subject he wishes particularly to refer to. Thus the fullest information on 

 the growth of the cauliflower will be obtained by reading the article on that 

 subject in conjunction with the one on the cabbage. 



Sections are also devoted to diseases and pests and methods of controlling 

 them, and attention may be directed to. the monthly planting calendar at 

 the end of the hook. 



ARTICHOKE (GLOBE). 



This plant is a totally different one from the Jerusalem artichoke. It 

 resembles a very strong-growing thistle, and the head is the edible portion ; 

 only the thickened base of the flower scales and the bottom of the flower 

 being eaten. When cooked it has a flavour somewhat resembling asparagus. 



The plant, which is a perennial, requires a very rich soil such as is obtained 

 on alluvial flats or on drained peaty swamps. If grown on upland soils, it 

 will be necessary to give a heavy dressing of decayed organic matter and a 

 good deep working. 



It is usually propagated by transplanting suckers, but plants may also be 

 raised from seed. The removing of the suckers from the original plant 

 requires care, arid it is necessary to detach with each sucker a little of the 

 root from the parent plant. For this purpose a sharp knife is necessary. 

 All the suckers should not be taken from the original root, as some are 

 needed" to produce a crop in place of the old plant when it has died, down. 

 The suckers are planted singly, 4 inches deep in rows, with 2 feet between 

 the plants and 4 feet between the rows ; or they may be set in groups of 

 three. They should be set in n'rmly, well watered, and shaded from the sun 

 until established. The heads must be cut while still young and tender, or 

 they will become hard and unattractive. 



After the heads have been harvested in autumn, the top growth should be 

 cut down and the plants given a dressing of stable manure. The soil between 

 the plants should be kept cultivated throughout the summer. It is necessary 

 to renew the beds at least once every three years, though under very 

 favourable conditions they can be made to last longer. 



