280 THE CULTURE OF VEGETABLES 



in an immature state, so that frequently seeds, shell and all are 

 cooked and eaten. They are often watery and flavorless. On the 

 other hand, winter squashes mature well and the flesh is solid, 

 fine, dry and of splendid flavor, making this vegetable highly prized 

 by the housekeeper for winter use. 



The summer varieties are more easily grown than the winter 

 ones. They all thrive best in good, rich soil which is prepared the 

 same as for melons or cucumbers. The planting and care are also 

 the same, and the same kinds of "bugs" destroy the vines if given 

 a chance. They make such rapid growth that they are likely to 

 overrun other plants, and for this reason are not suited to small 

 gardens, but should be planted out in a field where they have 

 ample room for spreading out. Such varieties of squash as Hub- 

 bard or Winter Crookneck may be kept until late in the winter 

 if placed in warm, dry atmosphere, where there is free circulation. 



Pumpkins. The pumpkin crop should not be neglected, for 

 it yields one of the best kinds of pie material known to the human 

 race. The kind known as "pie" pumpkins are grown especially 

 for this purpose, though any kind may be used 



Field pumpkins are often grown with corn and used for stock 

 feed, though naturally they will grow a heavier crop if planted to 

 themselves, and the richer the soil on which they grow, the larger 

 the pumpkins will be. They are easily grown, and a good thing to 

 have in every garden. 



Tomatoes. It is hard for us to think it possible that the tomato 

 was once considered poisonous and was grown merely as an orna- 

 mental plant. In those days it was called "love apple." It is 

 now one of the most universally grown and best liked vegetables 

 to be found anywhere. So well is it liked that it may be found in 

 its fresh state in the markets of all large cities about every month 

 in the year. It is shipped long distances and commands a high 

 price when sold out of season. 



Few garden crops are more easily grown, or pay better for the 

 care given them, and few vegetables are raised which may be used 

 in such a great variety of ways. 



The earlier the fruit matures the better, so an early start should 

 be made with the plants by sowing the seeds under glass in hot- 

 beds, or in boxes in the living-room window. They may be thus 

 started two months before planting out time, and reset and re- 

 potted until they will be of considerable size when they are put 

 out. They should be gradually "hardened off" so they will be 



