BEETS AND CARROTS 



145 



by different varieties. In general, however, the plants should 

 stand from two to four inches apart in the row, the latter distance 

 being preferable if the plants are not intended primarily for early 

 use. Sometimes even greater distances are allowed if large speci- 

 mens are desired. Medium-sized roots are considered better for 

 table use than those that are overgrown (Fig. 89), and hence 

 thinning to greater distances than above specified is seldom neces- 



f l" B :«te 



Fig. 88.— Young beets pulled for early use. 



sary. In fact, the desire for small, tender roots for late use has 

 led some gardeners to adopt the practice of making successive 

 plantings of these crops as well as radishes. It is difficult, however, 

 to secure a stand of beets or carrots in hot, dry weather, and 

 unless artificial watering can be employed it is much safer to 

 depend upon early spring plantings to furnish the winter as well 

 as the summer supply of these two crops. 

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