58 VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 



In order to blanch the stem the plants are either set in trenches which 

 are afterwards filled in, or planted on the level and the soil hilled to the 

 stem. Leeks are usually marketed in bunches. " London Flag " is the best 

 known variety. 



Diseases and Pests. See list attached to onion (page 67). 



\ 



LETTUCE. 



This crop, which is used extensively in the making of salads in summer 

 time, grows best on a sandy loam with a high humus content. To procure 

 good heads rapid growth is necessary, and the crop being a shallow rooter 

 should not be grown unless there is an abundance of water available. The 

 soil should be formed into narrow beds about 4 feet wide and raised to allow 

 for drainage. 



Seed should be sown in spring and autumn. Late spring sowings are not 

 advisable where the plants are transplanted, as the tendency is to run to 

 seed during the hot months. At that time of the year it is preferable to 

 sow the seed in rows where the plants are to remain, and to thin out to the 

 proper distance. Autumn sowings may extend well into the winter months 

 in favoured localities. 



The plants should be set out at a distance of 8 inches to 1 foot apart each 

 way, according to the variety. 



The previous application of well rotted manure to the soil and the later 

 application of liquid manure will be found beneficial and promote rapid 

 development of the heads. 



There are many varieties of lettuce, and the following are recommended 

 for their particular qualifications : 



Mignonette and May King. Small early varieties suitable for household 

 gardens. 



Wayahead, Wonderful or New T York, Deacon, Neapolitan, Salamander, 

 and Drumhead are all good varieties, and the best for summer growth. 



Big Boston is the best in cooler months. 



White Cos and Green Cos The Cos varieties are upright growers, and do- 

 not form hearts. It is usual to tie the tops in order to blanch the inner 

 leaves. 



Diseases and Pests. This vegetable is chiefly attacked by the same 

 troubles as cabbage (see list on page 47). 



V 



MARJORAM. 



See Herbs (page 56). 



MARROW. 



See' Pumpkin (page 73). 



