78 GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES 



Beans (Climbing and Dwarf). The pods must be straight, 

 of good length, a delicate green, not stringy, not leathery, 

 but brittle. If mature a few days before showing, cut with 

 ample stalk and place in the dark, in water. 



Beetroots. These must be of good tapering or spherical 

 shape, according to the variety. The tap root of the latter 

 must be complete, but no side hair roots should be left. A 

 smooth skin like kid is helpful. Specimens must not be 

 pale in colour nor over large. Only show with the best 

 foliage remaining. Lift a few days before showing, and 

 store, when clean, in fine, dry sand. 



Broccoli. Good dome-shaped heads made up of small 

 regular rosettes, which must be white and perfectly unsoiled, 

 score most points. They stand a poor chance unless the 

 head is close and not loose. Fair sizes do best. If mature 

 some days before showing, cut and hang up head downwards 

 in a cool cellar. 



Brussels Sprouts. The sprouts must be of good colour 

 and form. When the whole plant is exhibited, the main 

 stalk should be upright and the top of a good round shape. 



Cabbages. Crisp, close hearts with attractive outside 

 leaves are best. The general shape should be quite typical 

 of the variety. They must not be of giant size, nor eaten 

 by grubs. The rough outer leaves should be removed. 



Carrots. As for beetroots, but the collars must not be 

 green. 



Cauliflowers. As for broccoli. 



Celery. The stems must be as large as possible, white in 

 colour, and with little or no trace of green. They should be 

 brittle and with some foliage. The outside stems ought to 

 be taken ofi and the roots pointed with a sharp knife. Do 

 not lift until the morning of the show. 



Cucumbers. The flower should remain on the tip. The 

 specimens must be straight with not too much tapering 

 neck. Crispness is a valuable quality. A good rich green 

 skin is valued. The largest specimens ought to be shown. 



