VEGETABLE CROPS. 



feed, and then at a reduced rate. Hence, a good plan is to work parsnips 

 into a rotation so as to follow a heavily manured crop, such as cabbages. 

 When planted in spring, the parsnips are ready for use in early aututnn, 

 but, if so desired, can be left in the ground throughout the winter. It is 

 usually considered that a frost before harvesting improves the eating 

 quality of the vegetable. 



Sowing during the hot months of the year is not likely to succeed to the 

 same extent as the spring sowing, as in the former case the young plants 

 have a chance of becoming firmly established before the hot weather sets in. 



Owing to its poor germinating qualities the seed should be sown very 

 thickly. It is planted in rows 15 to 18 inches apart and covered to a depth 

 of about 1 inch. The thinning of the crop when necessary is different to 

 that of carrots, and should be carried out in the one operation as soon as the 

 young plants are of sufficient size. A distance of 4 or 5 inches should be 

 left between the plants. The tops will quickly make a strong growth, and 

 the only attention required will be the keeping down of weeds and a 

 thorough cultivation between the rows during the early stages of growth. 



On deep soils this crop lends itself to field practice, and under these 

 conditions from 6 to 8 lb. of seed per acre will be sufficient. 



The crop is harvested as required and, as already stated, the roots may 

 be left in the ground throughout the winter with perfect safety; but if the 

 land is needed for other crops, storing in pits in a cool situation will be 

 found quite satisfactory. For lifting, it will usually be found necessary 

 to loosen the ground with a fork. For marketing, the roots should be 

 washed, and may be bunched or forwarded loose in bags. It is always 

 advisable to grade the produce. 



The most popular variety is Hollow Crown, but Student is also largely 

 grown and gives excellent results under vigorous cultivation. 



BEET. 



Beet-root cannot be classified as one of the important vegetables, but it 

 may be considered as well within the second group, being a favourite 

 summer vegetable. 



It can be grown almost anywhere and on practically all soils, but those 

 of a heavy clayey nature are the least suitable, and good crops of best 

 quality can only be expected under the best conditions. 



The preparation of the soil should be similar to that of carrots and 

 parsnips, as the beet also has a tap-root, and therefore requires deep work- 

 ing of the soil. Very rich soils are not altogether suitable, as with this 

 crop extra large roots are not popular. For the same reason it is well not 

 to over-plant too early in the spring, as if not quickly used, they become 

 too large before the season is over. Smaller successive sowings will be 

 found to answer requirements much better. The seed can be planted 

 throughout the year, except during the cold, wet, winter months. For good 

 quality, the crops should be quickly grown, as otherwise they become some- 

 what tough, woody, and coarse flavoured. 



The position should be a sunny one, and, for household plots, rows 12 

 inches apart are sufficient. For commercial culture the rows should be 

 spaced not less than 15 inches apart, and even up to 30 inches. The seed 



