Garden Plants Grown for Their Stems 283 



sparingly the second 

 year. In spring culti- 

 vate freely between the 

 rows and pull loose soil 

 up, forming a ridge over 

 the row. This helps to 

 blanch the shoots as they 

 push up to the light. 



The cutting season 

 lasts for several weeks, 

 but toward its close the 

 shoots become smaller 

 and more woody. Then 

 it is time to level the 

 ridges with a rake, work- 

 ing into the soil at the 

 same time a liberal 

 coating of well-rotted 

 stable manure. The green branches are now allowed 

 to grow throughout the rest of the season and thus 

 store up food in the roots for the crop of the following 

 spring. 



With proper care a bed will remain highly productive 

 for as long as 15 or 20 years. If a bed is producing 

 only poor, spindling shoots, it is best to start a new bed 

 elsewhere, using new plants. 



KOHL-RABI 



Kohl-rabi is a member of the cabbage group that pro- 

 duces a fleshy enlargement of the stem just above the 

 ground. If gathered before it reaches full size (about 



Van Ei'He Kilpatrick 



FIG. 163. Kohl-rabi is in the best condi- 

 tion for use when about the size shown in 

 this picture. 



