CLASSIFICATION OF VEGETABLES 117 



There are three groups of vegetables arranged under the 

 heading of Leaves and Leaf Stems. The Cole Crops are 

 supposed to be cultivated varieties of one and the same wild 

 plant native to the coasts of western Europe, so they are 

 alike in their hardy nature and preference for cool, moist 

 soil. Since the parent plant is a perennial and the cultivated 

 varieties are biennials, most of them require a long season 

 for full development, and young plants are started early in 

 seed beds. Kale and collards are very hardy, and have 

 large free leaves, thus resembling more closely the wild 

 plant. In cabbage the leaves form a dense head of blanched 

 leaves, while Brussels sprouts produces small heads, as buds 

 in the axils of the leaf stems. Kohlrabi produces a turnip- 

 like swelling or tuber on the stem, from which the leaves 

 grow; while cauliflower is grown for the short, thick, white, 

 tender flower parts which form dense heads within the sur- 

 rounding leaves. 



The important Pot Herb Crops are excellent for the 

 school garden. Since in their origin they are hardy weeds, 

 and now in cultivation need to be grown quickly in spring to 

 afford crisp, tender leaves when pot herbs are in demand, 

 they may be grown during the school year, and harvested 

 before school closes. Spinach and mustard are best for this 

 purpose. The dandelion must be planted in spring or sum- 

 mer, and harvested the following April. Swiss chard affords 

 fine greens for the home table, and crisp, white stems, as a 

 substitute for asparagus, throughout the summer heats. It 

 is little known only because it wilts too quickly for sale 

 through the markets. 



The Salad Crops are closely akin to the Pot Herb Crops in 

 nature and culture; indeed some, like endive, are used in 



