190 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES 



Growing Plants. There is a wide difference in practice in dif- 

 ferent regions. On irrigated ground in the foothills seed is sown 

 in the open ground in June or July, by making the soil as fine as 

 possible; sow the seeds and cover with a slight coat of well-rotted 

 manure ; keep well wet down. This prevents drying out and harden- 

 ing of the ground and the plants come along finely. Similar practice 

 is followed in regions of little frost in other parts of the state at 

 different times from July to September, for winter cutting. As 

 eastern shipments of cauliflower continue from December through 

 the winter, early growth of plants is necessary, and the fall weather 

 is so warm that the seed-bed only needs a little sunshading and 

 ample moisture. 



In colder parts of the state, as for example in small valleys 

 liable to sharp frosts, some seasons favor fall-grown plants, others 

 do not, and though it is always advisable to have them for small 

 plantings by those who delight in taking the chances on early things, 

 January or February planting in a hot-bed for spring and summer 

 growth must be the main practice. Hot-bed plants should be grown 

 at rather a low temperature and transplanted to a cold frame or 

 other place under some cover to harden before planting out. Young 

 plants must not be so wet as to "damp-off" and they should not be 

 huddled together as closely as cabbages may be. 



After-treatment. Field growth of cauliflower is like that of 

 cabbage, though for winter growth one must be sure of a little 

 milder exposure. Planting out during the winter must be done with 

 due regard to the fact that the cauliflower is a more tender plant, 

 and extra care must be had to plant when the soil is in proper con- 

 dition of warmth and moisture. Fall planting requires due moisture 

 and the assurance of it is to push the plant along rapidly. 



Garden Practice. Amateurs who have become discouraged 

 over growing cauliflower are advised to try the method of Mr. Ira 

 W. Adams, of Potter Valley, being sure they are faithful in all 

 points before they conclude that this vegetable must be bought, not 

 grown. Mr. Adams' experience was in a small valley where frosts 

 are rather sharp and where fall planting is seldom satisfactory. 



About the middle of February throw into a snug heap a lot of fresh 

 horse manure mixed with short straw and leaves. After standing a few 

 days to heat, throw it over and let it remain a day or two ; then make it into 

 a compact heap (on the south side of the barn), some three or four feet in 

 depth and about twice the surface required for the seed-bed. Tread it down 

 well. On this, place three or four inches of good soil made light and rich 



