CAULIFLOWER 215 



for Cauliflower cannot withstand any great iieat. In any case tlie results will 

 not he the same as those obtained with a normal temperature. Let the weather 

 conditions govern the first sowing; this is usually safe from the first to the middle 

 of September. The seed may be sown in a flat or in a coldframe. When the 

 young plants are large enough to handle, transplant four or five inches apart 

 into frames; if the crop is intended for private use, where only fifty to one hun- 

 dred plants are needed, they may be transplanted into flats. As they get estab- 

 lished, and have grown a good supply of roots, they may be transplanted into 

 their permanent bed, sixteen or eighteen inches apart each way. Here again 

 preparations should be made for a steady supply. Seed may be sown in suc- 

 cession about three weeks after the first sowing, or three or four plantings may 

 be made about three weeks apart, if the space permits. If the seed is started 

 in September, the plants should be ready for cutting some time in December, 

 that is, if they recei\"e good treatment and are kept in a fairly cool. Lettuce 

 temperature. 



Cauliflower may be planted in a bed from which a crop has just been cleared. 

 Much time may be saved by having young plants ready in five-inch pots to 

 set in the place of the last batch; but these plants must not be allowed to get 

 potbound, for when once the growth is checked that crop may be regarded as 

 a failure. After the plants are set out and established, cultivating the surface 

 soil will promote a healthy, robust growth. Every gardener knows the value 

 of surface cultivation in open air beds, especially after rain, when the soil will 

 work freely. The same applies to inside culture. Stir the soil after the plants 

 have received a good watering. This will act as a mulch, prexenting too rapid 

 evaporation and keeping the soil sweet and wholesome. 



WATERING AND FEEDING 



Cauliflower requires an abundance of water at all stages of its growth, 

 taking much more than Lettuce. Spra>- the foliage two or three times a day 

 unless it is very damp outside, for then spraying is of no benefit at all. As to 

 feeding, I think it is much better to feed light and often, rather than give too 

 much at one time, and more food can be applied to good advantage in this way. 

 Overfeeding is worse for the health of any plant than no food at all. Cauli- 

 flower wants food rich in nitrogen, but it is not necessary nor even wise to 

 depend on one manure alone. Potash may be used in the shape of hardwood 

 ashes, which will give color and substance to the crop. Begin to feed when 

 the plants are thoroughly established, or quite a while before they 

 begin to head. Try to build up a good, strong, thrifty growth before 

 the plants show any sign of heading, for such growth is necessary 

 in order to obtain good-sized heads. Cow manure in a liquid form is 

 excellent, and may be applied two or three times. Supplement this 

 with nitrate of soda, used either in the water or sown over the surface 

 and then watered in. Remember that soda is a powerful chemical and 

 must be used with judgment; while a little of it is excellent, an overdose 

 acts as a poison. A safe proportion is a tablespoonful to a three-gallon 



