278 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES 



tramp down lightly with the back of a steel rake and cover with the finest 

 of soil, as the seeds are small and light. When the plants are an inch or 

 two high, they can be transplanted into rows twelve inches apart, and four 

 inches between the plants. By fall they will be fine, strong plants, and can 

 be planted out the next spring in permanent rows. 



Root sets are made by dividing the roots of the older plants so 

 that each piece shall have a bud or eye. The most vigorous plants, 

 producing the largest leaves and thickest leaf-stems, should be 

 selected for this purpose. 



Planting. Before planting either in field or garden the soil 

 should be heavily manured and deeply turned in the fall so as to 

 get the full benefit of the winter rains. Transplanting the old sum- 

 mer varieties should be done when the plant is dormant, the soil in 

 good working condition and warmth enough for growth antici- 

 pated. The date will of course vary in different localities, but Feb- 

 ruary will usually be satisfactory for the summer growers. The 

 soil must not be too wet at transplanting or the roots may rot ; good 

 warmth and moisture are favorable. The introduction of winter- 

 growing varieties has modified transplanting practice. They are 

 practically evergreen and active except for a short dormancy in the 

 late summer, and, though capable of transplanting by cutting back 

 the leaves all through the rainy season, are usually moved to best 

 advantage from April to June, the latter period being available on 

 irrigated land. 



There are different ways of planting out, each with its own 

 advocates. Roots set four feet apart each way give good oppor- 

 tunity for cultivation both ways ; but some give more room by laying 

 off in six feet rows with the plants four feet apart in the row. 

 Others plant in the garden, placing the plants two feet apart, if 

 only one row is planted, and in four feet rows with the plants three 

 feet apart if there are to be several rows. On good, strong deep 

 soils, it is well to give plenty of room, for large growth of leaves 

 is desired to impart vigor to the roots. Distance depends somewhat 

 upon the variety, but nearly all growers aim at very large leaf 

 stems, and these require ample space. 



Treatment. The plants should be allowed to retain all their 

 leaves the first year after planting out, and there must be abundant 

 moisture for summer growth if there is to be a heavy crop the 

 second year. Frequent summer cultivation is desirable unless 

 mulching is employed, and if it is the grower must be sure that his 

 mulching is heavy enough to retain moisture. It is probably better 



