80 GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES 



Leeks. Specimens should be carefully blanched, and thick, 

 erect, and of much the same width throughout. The heads 

 must show no signs of filling out. Do not lift until the 

 morning of the show. 



Lettuces. The cos variety is judged most on shape, size, 

 and colour of the heart ; the cabbage variety, on shape and 

 colour. Both must have fresh, crisp leaves, the outside 

 ones removed. The weight is taken into account. 



Mushrooms. Well rounded domes which show no sign of 

 turning upwards are a necessity. Stems must be complete. 

 No cracks or other damage is permissible. The upper side 

 of the head must not be discoloured and the underside 

 should be a delicate pink. 



Onions. Summer and autumn onions must be crisp and 

 firm and not soft, with attractive shiny skins . Spring onions 

 are best when well bulbed and with thinnish necks. All 

 varieties should be shown with a portion of the stem 

 attached, not much should be cut off the spring onion, 

 however. Lift as late as possible, wash and remove the 

 loose casing and trim the root hairs, 



Parsnips. See beetroots. 



Peas. As for broad beans, but special care should be 

 taken to preserve the bloom of the pods. 



Potatoes. Prizes are often offered for the largest potatoes. 

 A specimen weighing 2 Ibs. 13 J ozs. took first prize at the 

 Vacant Land Cultivation Society's Show in 1917. When 

 prizes are for the best potatoes no curiosity of shape should 

 be submitted. Regular-formed specimens with few eyes, 

 not deeply set, an unrubbed skin free from blemishes and a 

 good-coloured flesh, are most sought for. Keep in the dark 

 between lifting and showing, but wash the day previous. 



Radishes. As for turnips. The total marks for this 

 vegetable, at most shows, is very low. 



Rhubarb. The stalks must be erect and of pleasing 

 colour; the flesb, not flabby. Exhibit with the leaves 

 removed. 



