298 



The Profitable Culture of Vegetables. 



SEAKALE. 



Crambe maritima. 



OEAKALE is a very popular winter vegetable amongst the 

 vJ well-to-do classes, and it appears to be increasing in public 

 favour. It is easy to grow, simple and inexpensive to force, is 

 practically free from pests and diseases, and is a very whole- 

 some vegetable to consume, so that there is every reason why 

 the market gardener, and particularly the direct trader, should 

 consider the advisability of undertaking its production. 



There are few soils 

 in which Seakale can- 

 not be satisfactorily 

 grown if it receives 

 proper attention. A 

 well-cultivated, deep, 

 and rather heavy soil 

 will grow the finest 

 roots, but an easily- 

 worked sandy loam 

 will be found the best 

 all round, because 

 much of the work of 

 lifting roots has to 

 be done in winter, 

 when the ground is 

 wet. In any case, the 

 soil must be deep, 

 rich, well-drained, n 

 copyright, v. A. Co. an O p en situation free 



Seakale, blanched. from trees, and with 



a sunny aspect. 



Preparation of the Soil. Thorough preparation and liberal 

 manuring of the soil are absolutely necessary to the production 

 of strong crowns suitable for forcing. Although Seakale is not 

 particular as to the conditions under which it grows, this 

 must not be allowed to influence the treatment it receives. 

 The leaf-stalks when bleached should be large, thick, and 



