Crops Grown for Their Leaves 257 



therefore be had from the home garden in quality, variety, 

 and quantity sufficient for the needs of the family. 

 Questions 



In general, what conditions are best for the development of 

 leafy crops? What conditions are unfavorable? Why are most 

 leafy vegetables best when fresh? What leafy crops are propa- 

 gated vegetatively ? Which of these are hardy perennials? 

 Describe the propagation and culture of rhubarb. 



What are onion sets? How are they obtained from seed 

 onions? What are the advantages of planting onion sets? the 

 disadvantages? What are the important points to remember in 

 onion culture? When should onion bulbs be pulled? What is 

 meant by " cut-and-come-again " vegetables? What are the 

 general requirements for this class of leafy vegetables? How 

 is Swiss chard grown? Describe the culture of New Zealand 

 spinach. 



Describe the general method of growing and storing endive. 

 How is Witloof chicory (French endive) grown to produce salad 

 crops for winter use ? 



What leafy crops are grown by the transplanting method ? 

 How is celery grown ? Describe the various methods of blanching 

 celery. Which is the most practical of these? Tell how you 

 would proceed to raise a crop of late cabbages in the Northern 

 states; in the Southern states. What special conditions do 

 Brussels sprouts require? Describe pe-tsai. What special 

 attention does head lettuce require ? What leafy crops are grown 

 from seed planted directly in the garden? Why is thinning 

 especially necessary for these crops ? 



Things to Do and Observe 



1 . To determine the best leafy crops for your locality. Find out 

 which leafy crops are generally grown in your vicinity. Inquire 

 especially if pe-tsai and French endive are being raised. 



2. To learn the best ways of growing leafy crops. Talk with 

 other gardeners in your neighborhood about the proper methods 

 of growing leafy crops. Compare the results of their methods 

 with yours. Which method proved to be the most successful? 

 If the methods were the same and results different, try to determine 

 the cause of the difference. 



