CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 407 



intervals during- the summer. For the fall crop in the 

 North, June is the proper time to sow. The rows should 

 be about 14 inches apart and the plants 6 to 10 inches 

 apart in the row. The leaves may be used as soon as 

 they are large enough, and gathered during the entire 

 season. Parsley will thrive in any moist, fertile soil. 

 Nitrate of soda is especially valuable in securing rapid, 

 tender growth. The leaves are tied together in small 

 bunches for marketing. By protecting the plants in cold 

 frames a supply throughout the winter is insured. 



PARSNIP (Pastinaca sativa) 



552. Culture. The parsnip is an important root crop, 

 belonging to the family of Umbelliferse. It is closely re- 

 lated to parsley, carrot and celery. The roots are boiled, 

 fried and used in soups and stews. They are also popu- 

 lar for stock feeding. 



Deep, fertile, sandy loams grow the finest roots. Clay 

 soils have a tendency to produce crooked and branching 

 roots, which are not wanted by the market. Under the 

 most favorable conditions the roots will attain a length 

 of one foot and will be straight and smooth. 



GUERNSEY (STUDENT and IMPROVED HALF- LONG) is 

 planted most extensively. HOLLOW CROWN, which is 

 known by several other names, is also valued. EARLY 

 SHORT ROUND is a small, very early variety, the roots of 

 which are sometimes bunched with potherbs. 



A full season is required to grow a good crop of pars- 

 nips. The seed, which germinates very slowly, should 

 be sown as early as possible in the spring. A few radish 

 seeds are sometimes sown with the parsnips. They 

 germinate quickly, and the young plants mark the rows, 

 so that cultivation may be begun before the parsnips 

 are up. This method is especially desirable in soils 

 which have a tendency to bake. 



