BOOK OF THE HOME GARDEN 



from the center of the plant, so keep picking the 

 outside ones to keep the plant growing evenly. 



Peppers are used for cooking when green, and 

 should be picked when they are large and just be- 

 fore they begin to turn red or yellow. Take the 

 pepper in your hand and bend it upward. The 

 stem will snap where it joins the plant. 



Tomatoes should be picked w r hen they are a good 

 bright red or yellow. Do not leave them on the 

 vine too long or they will split open on one side. 

 Take the tomato in your hand, put your thumb nail 

 on the stem and bend upward. The stem will break 

 at the joint as easily as peppers. Do not try to 

 pull the tomato from the vine because the stem will 

 keep it fresher. 



Turnips are tested for size the same as radishes, 

 beets and carrots. They are much nicer and more 

 delicate when young, say the size of a small peach. 

 Pull the plant up root and all. 



Potatoes remain in the ground until the leaves 

 and stem turn brown, then dig the whole plant up 

 with your garden fork. The potatoes are on the 

 roots; break them off, and spread them in the 

 shade to dry. Store away in a dark, cool, dry place. 



Watermelons are a vegetable or fruit that is dif- 

 ficult to tell when ripe. Some people say the tiny 



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