2 1 2 Encyclopaedia of Gardening 



KITCHEN GARDEN continued. 



the top; the foliage is slender, almost grassy. Scorzonera (Scor- 

 zonera hispanica) has a purple root rather larger and thinner than 

 Salsify, and the foliage is broader. Both may be grown in the same 

 way as other tap roots that is, sown outdoors in deep, well-tilled, 

 but not freshly manured soil, and covered an inch deep, in April. 

 The rows may be a foot apart and the seedlings thinned to 6 ins. or 

 rather more. They will be ready for use in autumn, and may be 

 lifted and stored like Beetroot, but Scorzonera at all events is hardy 

 enough to be left in the ground most of the winter if desired. 



Savoy (Brassica oleracea bullata). A hearting form of winter 

 Green, with crinkled leaves, very hardy and useful. Savoys are in 

 season from mid-autumn to the end of winter, when they give way 

 to summer-sown Cabbages. Seed may be sown in April, and the 

 plants treated similarly to Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts, except 

 that the smaller varieties may be planted a little closer. They like 

 firm, fertile ground. They should not be cut until the hearts are 

 quite firm, or the flavour will be inferior. Savoys are subject to 

 the same enemies as the other Greens (see Broccoli). The following 

 are good varieties: Early Dwarf Ulm, Perfection, Drumhead 

 (large). A Savoy-Brussels Sprout is now on the market. 



Seakale (Crambe maritima). One of the most delicious of vege- 

 tables when forced. The plant forms a tap root, which, if protected, 

 will push up a thick white stem. There are various methods of 

 forcing it, one being to heap soil or house cinders over the crowns in 

 winter, another to pack in soil under the stage of a warm house, a 

 third to cover the crowns with deep pots and heap hot manure over 

 them, a fourth to place in a box in a warm room. Friable soil and 

 plenty of moisture should be provided in all cases of forcing above 

 ground. The plants are easily raised, and seed may be resorted to, 

 sowing in spring; but 3 years may elapse before the crowns are 

 strong enough to force. If, however, pieces of side root are taken, 

 planted up to the tip 2 ft. apart in fertile, friable soil in spring, and 

 the growths which spring from the crown thinned to one, strong 

 forcing crowns will be formed by autumn of the same year. Lily 

 White is an improvement on the common Seakale. 



Shallot (Allium ascalonicum) . This useful member of the Onion 

 tribe is worth a place in every kitchen garden, for it comes into use 

 in early summer, and may be utilised in soups, stews, and pickles, 

 as well as for plain cooking. It is usual to plant bulbs, as seed does 

 not, as a rule, give a crop until the second year, although it some- 

 times does so the first. The bulbs should be planted as early in 

 the new year as the soil comes into suitable condition for working, 

 and may be half buried 9 ins. apart in rows a foot asunder. If the 

 soil is deep and well manured they will speedily throw up a cluster 

 of narrow leaves and presently begin to form offsets, which will 

 develop into a large, closely packed cluster by midsummer, when 

 they may be taken up and dried in the sun. 



Spinach (Spinacia oleracea). There are few more wholesome and 

 healthful vegetables than Spinach, and its medicinal properties are 

 well marked. All classes should grow it, either as a main crop or 

 as a catch crop between Peas and Beans. It is hardy and easily 



