THE VEGETABLE GARDEN 



211 



Storing. — There are three essential iDriiiciples which must be 

 considered if we are to keep both vegetables and fruits fresh 

 during the winter months : The regulation of temperature, of 

 moisture, and of ventilation. 



Vegetables. — If vegetables are stored in a storage building, 

 root cellar or outdoor pit, the temj^erature should be about 

 thirty-two to thirty-four degrees F. Some vegetables, like cab- 

 bage, can stand 25 degrees F. above zero and even lower, but for 

 general purposes the temperature should be a little above freez- 

 ing. If the air is too dry, the vegetables shrink and become use- 



A B c 



Fig. 116.— a, The top of the beet cut 



too close. B, Too small to store 



for winter. O, Beets the right 



size, tops cut properly for storing. 



A B 



Fig. 117.— a, Celeiy plant as taken 

 out of the ground ready for pack- 

 ing. B, Box in which celery may 

 be kept in the cellar during winter. 



less, but if kept moist tliey retain their plumjoness. "When root 

 crops, such as turnips, or carrots, get wet and the temperature 

 goes up, decay is sure to set in and it spreads quickly. 



The air must be kept fresh, cool and clean. Ventilation is not 

 always an easy practice, but it should never be neglected. There 

 is considerable heat in vegetables and steam may be seen escap- 

 ing from a storehouse mndoAV on opening it on a cold, clear 

 morning. This is usually a good indication of the proper circu- 

 lation of air. 



Roots should be fully grown, all badly bruised roots should 

 be thrown out. The tops should be cut off about an inch above 

 the root. Do not expose the roots to the air too long before 

 storing them. Never wash the soil from the root cro^os, or cut 

 the roots off cabbage and celery. 



Outdoor storage pits. — There is no better Avay to store vege- 

 tables than in the soil, out of doors, and this method of storing 

 may be practiced successfully where the winter temperature does 

 not go too low. Where the temperature frequently drops to 



