112 A HOME VEGETABLE-GARDEN 



weather forecasts when a real frost may be ex- 

 pected ; allow about six weeks for seed-bed growth 

 and another six weeks until maturity, and put in 

 the seeds accordingly. For late cauliflower, the 

 seed may be sown in a shady place in the garden in 

 finely prepared soil. Provide plenty of moisture ; 

 and, if necessary, extra shade may be furnished by 

 means of a loosely woven cheese-cloth cover 

 stretched tightly well above the final height of 

 the seedlings (say, 8 or 9 inches) and fastened 

 securely to corner and middle stakes. By that 

 means, the tender young plants may be shaded 

 during the hottest part of the day, the cover being 

 removed when the air becomes cool and moist. 



Sturdy young plants must be kept sturdy if, 

 for each plant, we are to harvest a perfect head 

 of cauliflower. Kapid, steady, uniform growth is 

 necessary. The plants must have plenty of water 

 if they are to be kept in a condition of thrift. 

 There is no need to emphasize the necessity of con- 

 tinual surface tillage. The season itself will have 

 much to do with the result. A cool damp summer 

 is an advantage. Wet weather, with little sun- 

 shine, at the time of heading will be a great aid. 

 If the weather is hot and dry at that critical time 

 or if growth has been retarded, we shall have, in- 

 stead of smooth compact heads, "buttons/ 7 ir- 

 regular growths, a kind of broken-up head. Poor 

 seed will also produce buttons, showing that the 

 plants are turning back, reverting to the uncul- 



