VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 57 



Thyme. This herb is easy of cultivation, and may be propagated from seed 

 or by division of the plants. The two varieties chiefly grown are Broad 

 Leaved and Lemon Scented. 



The gathering of herbs for drying should be done in the height of summer, 

 just as they are about to bloom, as at that time the plants are at their best 

 as regards their essential oils. Drying should be carried out immediately 

 after gathering, under partial shade or in an oven factors necessary to 

 preserve colour and flavour. After rubbing the leaves off store in air-tight 

 receptacles. 



HORSE RADISH. 



This plant does well in moist situations. It is propagated by rootlets or 

 pieces of root, and plantings should be made every year to maintain a supply 

 of useful roots. If large roots are required deeply-worked ground is 

 necessary. The root pieces are planted in a slanting, almost perpendicular, 

 position, in rows 2 feet apart and about 1 foot apart in the rows. 

 Planted in spring the roots may be used the following autumn ; larger roots 

 require a longer season. If propagated by seed, sowing should take place in 

 March or April and the crop treated as an annual, being ploughed or dug 

 the following winter. If allowed to grow as perennials in the same spot the 

 plants are apt to become troublesome as weeds. 



As a culinary vegetable its pungent taste is appetising, and in addition to 

 its use in a raw state it is employed in making mixed pickles. 



KALE. 



See Borecole (page 44). 



KOHL-RABI. 



Kohl-Rabi or turnip-rooted cabbage is grown to a limited extent only in 

 this State ; its cultivation is similar to that of ordinary cabbage. The 

 edible portion of the plant is the swollen, turnip-shaped, stem that forms just 

 above the ground ; this is ready for use about two months after transplanting. 

 For home use the leaves may be boiled and seived like cabbage. 



Two plantings may be made the first in spring, and the second about 

 January or February to mature in late autumn or early winter. 



Diseases and Pests. See list attached to cabbage (page 47). > 



LEEK. 



The leek very much resembles the onion in its requirements of the soil 

 and cultivation. It is largely used in flavouring soups, &c., the stem being 

 the edible portion. The seed may be sown in seed-beds or boxes in spring, 

 and the plants transplanted to the field when about the thickness of a pencil. 

 The seed may also be sown directly in the field, and the plants afterwards 

 thinned to a distance of about 1 foot apart. The plant requires liberal 

 manuring as it is a gross feeder. 



