396 GARDEN FARMING 



can be accomplished by the use of a float about 4x8 inches, 

 provided with a handle, or by placing a narrow board over the row 

 and walking from end to end of it. 



The radish is one of the common garden crops that are seldom 

 or never transplanted. In a very few instances, where a close 

 succession of crops is required in the forcing house, the radish 

 is transplanted, but ordinarily, both in field and house cultivation, 

 seeds are sown where the crop is to mature. The rapid germina- 

 tion and quick development of the crop, together with the cheap- 

 ness of the seed, make it unnecessary to grow the seedlings in 

 a specially prepared seed bed and transplant them. 



Cultivation. The cultivation of the radish in the field is a com- 

 paratively simple operation. Its quick growth and the thorough 

 preparation of the land necessary for success do not give oppor- 

 tunity for the growth and development of weeds. A wheel hoe 

 or hand weeder is the only implement necessary. 



Thinning. Whether the radish is used as a main crop or as a 

 catch crop, the seedlings should be carefully thinned to stand from 

 il to 2 inches apart in the row. This will allow sufficient space 

 for the development of the roots, and when used as a marker will 

 not seriously interfere with the development of the other crops. 



Harvesting. Radishes are usually harvested as soon as they reach 

 edible size. The plants are tied in bunches of from 5 to 10, accord- 

 ing to the time of year. After being tied with a soft twine or band 

 of raffia, they are thoroughly washed so that when they reach the 

 market they will be in a bright, crisp condition. After washing, the 

 bunches are packed in ventilated half-barrel baskets, of the Delaware 

 type, but much deeper, although the diameter is not much greater. 

 The bunches are packed in layers, with the roots toward the outside, 

 until the basket is entirely filled. This leaves a rim of bright roots ex- 

 posed about the green center as the lid of the basket is removed. In 

 some instances larger receptacles are used for marketing the product, 

 but the barrel is the maximum package, and when it is employed it 

 is either of the ventilating type, used for the shipment of sweet pota- 

 toes, or of the lattice type, used for the shipment of kale and spinach. 



The price received for radishes varies according to the season 

 and the quality of the product, from 50 cents to $4.00 or $5.00 

 per 100 bunches. 



