XVI 



VEGETABLES 



Beet 



GROWING OUT-DOORS. 



1. As soon in the spring as the ground is in good condition 



to work, sow the seed sparsely in rows twelve or 

 fifteen inches apart, covering about three-quarters of 

 an inch deep. To secure a very early crop, sow 

 early in cold-frame or house, and transplant. 



2. When the seedlings appear, stir the soil surface between 



the rows, and weed the rows as early as practicable. 



3. When the young plants have developed two or three 



seed-leaves, thin to about three inches apart. If 

 taken up without injuring roots, beet plants may be 

 transplanted successfully. 



4. During the following weeks keep the plants free from 



weeds and the surface between the rows frequently 

 tilled. 



5. As soon as the young beets are about two and one-half 



to three inches in diameter pull the larger ones for 

 use. Continue pulling, as the beets become large 

 enough, until the crop is harvested. Remove the 

 cut leaves and all discarded beets to a heap or some 

 place where they will not permit the spores of various 

 fungous diseases to develop. 

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