166 The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



apart, from the middle of March to the middle of May, accord- 

 ing to the variety and the time it is required to be fit for use ; 

 for autumn cutting sow from beginning to end of March, for 

 winter sow in April, for spring in April and the beginning of 

 May, and for summer in the middle of May. It is of great 

 importance that the plants should be short-legged and sturdy. 

 To secure this condition thin out the seedlings early, and if 

 possible transplant at Sin. apart on a nursery bed, where they 

 remain until their permanent quarters are ready to receive 

 them. Both seed and nursery beds should be kept free of 

 weeds, with a loose surface. 



In the usual course of things Broccoli follows upon some 

 crop which has been cleared in the spring or early part of the 

 summer, such as peas, early potatoes, or dwarf beans. Plant 

 out at 2ft. apart in the rows and about 2ft. 6in. between the 

 rows, choosing for the operation dull showery weather when 

 possible, so that watering in will be unnecessary, as it is 

 better omitted. When, however, the ground is very dry and 

 hard, holes for the plants may be made with an iron bar ; then 

 fill each hole to the brim with water and " puddle" the roots of 

 the plants. An open exposed situation should be selected for 

 the latest batches as this ensures hardiness and tends to pre- 

 vent premature heading. As the heads begin to form the mid- 

 rib of a large leaf should be broken and the leaf bent down 

 over the heart of the plant ; this helps to keep the head clean 

 and white and prevents injury by frost. 



Heeling-in is practised by some growers as a method of pro- 

 tection from the rigours of a severe winter, whilst many others 

 say such a course is unnecessary and let the plants take all risk 

 of the weather, trusting to the self-protecting character which 

 many of the best strains now possess, or if the weather seems 

 likely to be very severe they give protection by scattering a little 

 light litter over the heads. Where heeling-in is practised it 

 is done during mild weather in November. A trench a spit 

 deep and the width of the spade is taken out along the north 

 side of the row. The soil is laid close to the edge of the trench 

 and the plants are then pressed over so that they rest on the 

 ridge of soil with the heads sharply inclined to the north. This 

 prevents the rays of the sun striking on the heart of the plant 



