344 GATHERING, STORING AND PACKING 



that it is well to grow both early, mid-season and late 

 varieties for these respective seasons. 



BROCCOLI. 



One of the most valuable of vegetables, as the 

 plants give a supply from October until June. The 

 autumn Broccoli follows the Cauliflower, the latter 

 being less hardy than the Broccoli. Much may be 

 done in winter to keep small heads of Broccoli after 

 their formation by lifting the plants and placing them 

 in a cool frame or shed, care being taken that the 

 roots and a portion of the soil are retained. Plants 

 lifted at the approach of frost and treated in the 

 way advised may be kept fresh for some time. When 

 they are only to be kept for a few days tie the leaves 

 over the heads and suspend the plants in a cool cellar. 

 The white curd of the flower soon blackens and is 

 destroyed by a little frost, hence the need for storage 

 to prolong the supply when frost approaches. To 

 keep the heads uninjured they also need shading from 

 the sun, though some varieties have leaves that fold 

 naturally. When the leaves are more open break the 

 upper ones over the heads. To retard plants in April 

 and May lift and place them in a shady quarter close 

 together, well covering the heads with the foliage. 

 When Broccoli are to go any distance leave a good 

 portion of the leaves as these protect the head. Large 

 quantities of Broccoli are sent from abroad to this 

 country in winter and they arrive in splendid condi- 



