198 Encyclopaedia of Gardening 



KITCHEN GARDEN continued. 



Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea bullata gemmif era) . In 

 autumn and winter few of the coarser vegetables are more appre- 

 ciated than Brussels Sprouts, and when well grown a few rows will 

 give a supply for several weeks. When an early crop is wanted 

 seed is sometimes sown in August, but for the principal supply the 

 seed is sown out of doors in the first half of April. The seed and 

 seedlings may be treated similarly to Broccoli and the same remarks 

 apply. In autumn a few of the leaves should be cropped back to 

 stumps in order to check growth and encourage the production of 

 sprouts ; but it must not extend to all the leaves at once, or a good 

 deal of sap will be thrown back on the stems and the resulting shoots 

 will be loose. The top or crown growth should be left intact. 

 Each stem ought to become well clothed with sprouts by mid- 

 autumn, and these can be picked as required. In the case of rich, 

 moist soil, which favours gross growth, the larger varieties, such as 

 Aigburth and Exhibition, should be avoided, and smaller kinds like 

 Dwarf Gem and Northaw Prize selected instead ; but for poor ground 

 strong varieties had better be chosen. Exhibition is one of the best. 

 A Cabbage -Brussels Sprout is now procurable, and it is a highly 

 promising vegetable, as in addition to the sprouts on the stem the 

 plant produces a nice Cabbage at the top in place of the loose cluster 

 of leaves which distinguishes the ordinary Brussels Sprout. Brussels 

 Sprouts are attacked by the same enemies as other members of the 

 Brassica tribe. See remarks under Broccoli. 



Cabbage (Brassica oleracea capitata). One of the most useful of 

 all the Green vegetables, and particularly valuable in spring, when 

 good hearts take the place of Brussels Sprouts and Savoys and 

 supplement Broccoli. A Cabbage bed should be formed in every 

 kitchen garden in spring. Seed should be sown early in August, 

 but it is a good plan to make two sowings, one a fortnight earlier. 

 The seed may be sown thinly in a reserve bed of fine soil, and 

 covered about half an inch. If birds are troublesome protect the 

 seed bed with fish netting. Thin the plants if they become crowded 

 during September. Towards the end of that month, or by the 

 middle of October, plant the young Cabbages out 18 ins. apart. A 

 piece of ground must be chosen from which a summer vegetable has 

 been cleared, and an Onion bed is good, because the ground is both 

 fertile and firm. Directly the ground is dry enough to be trodden 

 on in late winter run the hoe between the plants, and sprinkle 

 nitrate of soda or sulphate of ammonia among them at the rate of 

 i oz. per square yard, taking care to keep it off the leaves. If 

 the soil is loose it should be rammed firm. Should any plants throw 

 up flower stems they should be pulled up and thrown away at once ; 

 but there will not be much trouble on this score if suitable varieties 

 are sown. The following are reliable : 



Early Offenham 

 Ell am' s Early 



Emperor 

 Flower of Spring 



Cabbages may be had in summer and autumn by sowing in March, 

 April, and May, and transplanting when about 4 ins. high. The 

 following are good varieties for this purpose: 



