RADISHES. 135 



shipped North. They are, however, of a very perishable 

 nature, and soon heat when packed in bulk. 



Soil, Preparation, and Sowing. Radishes to be pro- 

 duced in perfection must have light, warm, and rich soil, 

 and that which has been previously well manured is pre- 

 ferable to manuring at the time of sowing, as in the latter 

 case they arc apt to be attacked by a small grub, and the 

 radishes become, to use the common phrase, " wormy," 

 hence not marketable. If the soil requires fertilizing at 

 the time of sowing, use bone-flour, one thousand pounds 

 to the acre. 



They may be sown broadcast, over a bed of beets or 

 carrots just sown, and raked in with them, and will come 

 off in time to allow the main crop to be worked. This 

 plan is objectionable, because such crops are generally 

 sown on fresh-manured land, hence the radishes are liable 

 to be wormy, and then in gathering the bed must be 

 walked over, often in wet weather, thus packing the 

 ground, and probably damaging the main crop more 

 than the radishes can repay. It is far preferable to plow 

 and harrow the ground very early in the spring, sow the 

 seed broadcast, ten pounds to the acre, and cover by 

 raking or light harrowing. The crop will be off in time 

 to allow of beets or carrots being sown, when the 

 manure necessary for those crops may be applied, the 

 ground again plowed, which will be of great benefit, 

 the seed sown, and when ready the plants can be worked 

 without interruption. Radishes may be sown in hot- 

 beds alone, or a few seeds be sprinkled in at the time 

 of sowing cabbage or lettuce seeds, or they may be sown 

 in a cold-frame, after the plants are removed, covered 

 with sashes, and by coming early command good prices. 



The white and yellow varieties may be sown at in- 

 tervals during the summer, and the Black Spanish and 

 Chinese Rose in August, for winter use. 



Marketing* The long varieties must be tied in flat 



