170 Southern Gardener^ s Practical Manual 



New varieties are constantly being advertised in seeds- 

 men's catalogues, but a selection of the above list 

 should satisf}' the most fastidious. 



The tomato is both vegetable and fruit, and in the 

 latter role rivals the cantaloupe as a breakfast relish. It 

 figures in catsups, pickles, preserves, soups, sauces and 

 canned goods, besides being cooked in a variety of ways. 



There is no reason why any southern gardener should 

 buy tomato seed. Select the best perfectly formed early 

 specimens from a vigorous -growing and prolific vine. 

 Allow them to remain on the vine until thoroughlj- 

 ripe. Wash the seed and, when dry, store in envelopes 

 or paper bags; or, spread upon thin cloth without wash- 

 ing. Let them dry on the cloth and remain there until 

 needed to plant. 



TURNIPS 



This is a hardy biennial of the cabbage family and 

 one of the easiest of the garden vegetables to grow. 

 While the climate of the southei'u states is not well 

 adapted to the turnip on account of the dry fall weather, 

 if properly planted on fertile soil that has been thor- 

 oughly and deeply prepared and well supplied with 

 humus, success is easily attained. A deep, rich sandy 

 loam is best adapted to it. 



Open deep furrows two feet apart, and apply acid 

 phosphate in the bottom of these at the rate of 500 

 pounds per acre. Bed on this with scooter plows, making 

 a flat bed. Harrow or rake these until they are smooth. 

 Do this for the rutabaga in June. If the soil is dry, 

 open a farrow in each bed, sow the seed in the bottom 



