Dandelion Egg Plant 



apart down the middle of the bed, and when growing freely, nip out 

 the points once only. A crop of Lettuce may be taken from the beds 

 while the plants are advancing. 



DANDELION 



Taraxacum officinale 



As a salad Dandelion has won general esteem for its wholesome 

 medicinal qualities. Nature teaches us the way to grow this plant, 

 for she sows the seed in early summer, and we find the finest plants 

 on dry ground, while there are absolutely none to be found in bogs and 

 swamps. Any gravelly or chalky soil will grow good Dandelion, one 

 fair digging without manure being a sufficient preparation for it. Sow 

 in May or June, and thin to one foot apart every way, keeping the 

 crop scrupulously clean by flat hoeing. Any time in the winter the 

 roots may be lifted and forced in the same way as Sea Kale, or they 

 may be covered with pots in spring to blanch where grown. In any 

 case the spring growth must be made in darkness, for when green 

 the flavour is bitter. Invalids who require this salutary salad may 

 obtain early supplies by planting the roots in boxes in a cellar, and 

 covering with empty boxes. Only as much water should be given as 

 will keep the roots reasonably moist. 



EGG PLANT 



Solanum esculentum, S. melongena ovigerum 



IN this country the egg plant is generally grown merely as an orna- 

 ment, but it is a delicious vegetable when sliced and fried in oil, the 

 purple and black fruited kinds being especially serviceable for the 

 table. The common white, which is best known, is fairly good 

 when cooked young, though less rich in flavour than the purple. 

 The cultivation recommended for the ornamental Capsicums will 

 suit the Egg Plants. They are not well adapted for planting out, 

 although in a warm season they will fruit freely under a sunny wall, 

 and will grow in a gravel walk if helped at first with a little good soil 

 round the roots. If required in quantity for the table, the purple 

 variety may be grown in a frame from plants raised on a hot-bed. 

 Generally speaking, a few plants in pots are all that are required 

 where the fruit is not valued as an esculent. 



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