248 SUGAR BEETS AND OTHER ROOT CROPS 



seed, the crop may be produced with much more profit, as this 

 extra hand work will be avoided. 



During the summer season the largest roots are not desired in 

 the market, but roots half grown or less are usually preferred. 

 These are washed and tied in bunches with the fresh tops remain- 

 ing on. To secure roots in best market condition during the grow- 

 ing season, it is necessary to make several plantings at intervals 

 of three or four weeks. 



The harvest of the main crop in the fall must be made before 

 the ground freezes, although the tops will stand a little frost. 

 The roots are harvested with much more difficulty than mangels 

 or sugar beets, as they are smaller and many of the roots are apt 

 to be covered as the plow turns up the row. Another method of 

 harvesting is sometimes practiced. The turning plow is used to 

 throw the dirt away from the row and then the roots are pulled 

 by hand and thrown into piles. If the crop is to be stored for 

 table use, the tops are usually cut off within a few days after pull- 

 ing, and the roots are then stored in a cellar where they keep 

 reasonably well. For stock use the tops need not be removed, but 

 the crop is left in piles in the open for a longer period to let the 

 tops dry more thoroughly. Feeding may begin immediately after 

 pulling, and continue throughout the winter, if the roots are 

 stored in a cellar or barn where they will not freeze. 



RUTABAGAS AND TURNIPS. The species Brassica rapo, is 

 the true turnip and the species Brassica campestris is the ruta- 

 baga. From the cultural point of view the two crops are very 

 similar. The flesh of the rutabaga is usually yellow and the name 

 Swedish turnip is often given to the group. The flesh of the true 

 turnip is more commonly white. The shapes in both groups vary 

 widely from the flattened form to the long cylindrical form. The 

 rutabagas mature more slowly and the crop is easily kept through 

 the winter feeding season. 



Both types are grown for the feeding of stock (Fig. 174). This 

 practice is not so common in America as in some parts of the old 

 world. They are replaced here largely by mangels, because of larger 

 yields of the latter. Pig feeders value the rutabaga highly. 



Where both crops are raised the turnips should be used first 

 and the rutabagas kept until later in the winter. 



Growing the Crop. Both of these crops are well suited to the 

 cold, moist climates of the northern states and Canada. They 

 prefer a loose, sandy loam, but will thrive in any rich garden soil. 



