4S VEGETABLE G&OW1NG IN HEW SOUTH WALKS. 



of a uniform sowing the seeds have a tendency to stick together on account 

 of being slightly hooked. After sowing the seed should be firmed in and 

 then the soil loosened on the surface. If the germination is good it 

 will be necessary to thin the plants lightly to prevent wedging, and as the 

 roots develop the larger ones should be removed as soon as they become large 

 enough for use. By this means the usefulness of the bed is also increased. 

 A spring sowing should provide carrots fit for use from a few months after- 

 planting right on throughout the winter. The spring sowings are the most 

 satisfactory, as the plants become properly established before the hot weather 

 is experienced. Sowing can, however, be carried out during the summer 

 months, and with proper care and attention to watering and cultivation, 

 g6od crops may be obtained. 4 Ib. of seed are required to sow an acre. 



The harvesting is a simple matter where the soil is of a light texture, the 

 crop being very easily pulled out of the ground. But should the soil be at 

 all compact or hardened or the carrots very long, it will be necessary to 

 loosen the soil with a fork or* by ploughing a furrow alongside the row. 

 The crop is usually marketed in bunch form, but may be sold loose by the 

 bag. For the best returns it is advisable to wash the roots before selling. 



For the earliest crop, and on shallow soils, the shorthorn type (Early 

 Horn or Early Nantes) is preferred ; for main crop, and on deep soils, the 

 longer varieties are best suited, namely, Intermediate. Altringham, Danvers, 

 and Manchester Table. 



During the cool months the roots may be stored by pitting in sand some- 

 thing after the method of storing potatoes in pits. It is usual to cut off the 

 top growth before heaping. 



A local firm is now drying carrots and it may pay growers to test the field 

 culture of the crop for this purpose. 



Diseases aid Pests. In general this vegetable is subject to the same 

 attacks as cabbage, turnip, fec. ; for list see page 47. 



CAULIFLOWER. 



Although belonging to the same family as the cabbage, the cauliflower is 

 not grown to nearly the same extent. Thie is due chiefly to the necessity feu- 

 more favourable conditions during the growth of the plant than are required 

 by other members of the same order. 



The cultural directions given for the growing of the cabbage (page 44) 

 will also be found generally applicable to cauliflower growing, with the 

 following additions : The main crop should be planted from -December to 

 February, and the plants should be set 3 ft. x 2 ft. in. apart, late varieties 

 requiring a distance of 3 ft. x 3 ft. 



