OKRA 



277 



Popcorn. The cultural methods for growing popcorn are much 

 the same as for other kinds of corn. The seed is usually planted 

 by hand or with a common garden drill. The rows are marked 

 off three feet apart and the corn may be drilled to produce a stand 

 of plants about ten to twelve inches apart in the row. There are 

 several types of popcorn, and if the crop is to be sold inquiry 

 regarding the demands of the particular market should be made. 

 Usually white varieties will sell better than the red, yellow or mot- 

 tled. The rice type of white popcorn usually proves to be the 

 most popular. When the crop is harvested, the husks should be 

 removed from the ears and the corn spread in a clean, dry place 

 for curing. An attic floor may prove suitable, providing mice are 



FIG. 185. Okra or "gumbo" is much grown in the South and used in soups, for frying, for 

 boiling, and for pickling. (Productive Vegetable Growing.) 



kept away. After drying for a few weeks, it may be put in sacks 

 or bins where it can be protected from rodents! The best price 

 is usually obtained about Christmas time, or late in the winter. 



Okra or gumbo (Fig. 185) is a popular vegetable in the South, 

 but less known in the North. The immature seed pods are cooked, 

 and the smaller they are the more tender and dainty. 



It is a hot weather crop, and the seeds are planted in good soil 

 about the same time as corn and beans. They are sown in drills 

 and later thinned to eight inches apart. As the seeds germinate 

 slowly, better and quicker results are sometimes obtained by soak- 

 ing several hours in warm water just More planting. Ordinary 

 good tillage and care should be given the plants. 



