396 VEGETABLE GARDENING 



plied to this crop. Sprinkling before or after planting 

 prevents the blowing of muck and sandy soils and the 

 accompanying disastrous results in young plantations. 

 Irrigation increases yields and insures the crop against 

 loss from drouth. 



540. Harvesting. When the bulbs are to be stored 

 they will keep better if allowed to become fully ripe 

 before pulling. Figure 93 illustrates a field of onions 

 in ideal condition for harvesting; the tops are dead and 



FIG. 93. FIELD OF ONIONS AT HARVEST 



shriveled and the outer skin of the bulbs dry. While 

 full ripeness is highly desirable, other factors should be 

 considered: There is danger of second growth, espe- 

 cially if there is much rain ; better prices for the early 

 crop may be an inducement to gather part or all of the 

 crop sooner than if the bulbs are to be stored ; when 

 there are large areas to harvest it is necessary to start 

 in ample time in order to complete the work while 

 weather conditions are favorable and before there is loss 



