CULTURE OF BULB AND STEM CROPS. 97 



ing. Lift carefully and plant out 10 inches between 

 the rows and 7 inches between the plants. Avoid 

 planting too deeply. The holes should be deep 

 enough to allow the roots to be placed straight down 

 in their natural position, making them quite firm in 

 the soil, but the base of the stem should only have a 

 grip of the surface of the soil sufficient to keep the 

 plant in an upright position until fresh roots are 

 formed. 



After-treatment. From the time fresh growth 

 commences onwards, hoe frequently between the 

 rows, water when necessary, dust occasionally with 

 soot, and from the time the bulbs are half grown 

 apply periodically weak liquid manure, or give a 

 light dressing between the rows of sulphate of am- 

 monia, hoeing it into the soil. It is usually from 

 about the middle of July, when the growth tends to 

 slow down, that a mild stimulant at intervals is most 

 beneficial in increasing the weight of the crop. 



Ripening and Storing. About the end of August 

 withhold feeding, and use means to encourage 

 the ripening of the bulbs. The keeping qualities 

 of onions depend in a large measure on their being 

 well ripened off, and this is best accomplished by 

 taking a digging fork or spade and inserting it a 

 few inches underneath the bulbs, raising them well 

 up so as to break the roots and reduce the flow of sap 

 and water to the plants. At the same time bend the 

 stems over to a horizontal position, without breaking 

 or twisting them, and leave the plants partially out 

 of the soil for a time. When the tops turn yellow 

 pull the plants, shake them free of soil, and spread 

 them out on a mat or hard surface to dry in the air 



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