XXV 



PARSNIPS AND SALSIFY 



THESE two roots may well be considered to- 

 gether. Their habits of growth are nearly alike; 

 their culture and care will be much the same. 

 Both parsnips and salsify have long unvarying 

 tapering roots, when grown under proper condi- 

 tions; and both require an entire season for full 

 development. For firm-textured crisp root growth, 

 there must be provided proper food and a suf- 

 ficient supply for the entire season. For smooth 

 well-formed roots, the soil must be deep and fine 

 and uniform in texture, free from lumps and 

 stones that impede growth and make crooked 

 branched roots, a difficulty especially liable with 

 salsify. For all plants that have deep growing 

 root systems, the lower soil levels must be well 

 aerated ; and a sufficient and continuous moisture 

 supply provided. The careful preparation given 

 our garden in the making has taken into consid- 

 eration all of these requisites for the production 

 of perfect roots. Good drainage in the very build- 

 ing of the garden, together with the humus incor- 

 porated in the soil in the fall preparation, has 

 already provided for soil aeration and a uniform 



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