88 GROW YOUR OWN VEGETABLES 



during the summer, manure water should be poured 

 around the stems and all discoloured leaves removed. 

 When the sprouts begin to form it may be necessary to 

 cut out some of the under foliage in order to let in the 

 light, but this depends entirely upon the size of the 

 plant and the proximity of the rows. After windy 

 weather the ground often needs pressing firmly around 

 the stalks. Ordinary frosts have little or no effect on 

 this member of the brassica family. 



Unless the whole of a plant is used at the same time, 

 it is advisable to gather the sprouts from the bottom first 

 and then work upwards, finally cutting the head. 



Varieties worth noting are Carters' Perfection, Aigburth, 

 Scrymger's Giant, and Matchless. 



The Cauliflower, probably the most palatable mem- 

 ber of the brassicas, is the least hardy ; consequently it 

 calls for special treatment. Early varieties are sown 

 under glass in a pan or box containing rich moist loam 

 towards the end of January and kept at a temperature 

 of between 60 and 70. When large enough to handle 

 the seedlings are pricked off in a box and placed in a 

 cold frame. Finally, in April, they are planted out of 

 doors in their permanent quarters, standing twelve 

 inches from each other in rows that are eighteen inches 

 apart. 



An April sowing will give good heads in the late 

 autumn. These should be bedded out about June, 

 leaving a space of two feet, each way, between the 

 plants. 



In all cases give copious draughts of manure water 

 after the plants are established and, when the heads are 



