74- THE CULINARY GARDEN. [MAY. 



topping is, just when the flowers on the lower part 

 of the stalk begin to fade. The plant need not be 

 much shortened ; an inch or two taken off the top 

 is enough. Topping is not necessary for any but 

 the early crops ; and that only in order to make 

 them the more early. 



Of thinning the crops of Beet. 

 About the middle of the month, the most for- 

 ward crops of beets will require to be thinned. 

 They should not be thinned out all at once, but by 

 degrees. Thin, therefore, in the first instance, to 

 two or three inches apart in the line ; and in a few 

 weeks afterwards, to five or six ; choosing a showery 

 time, or otherwise settling the earth about the plants 

 left, by a hearty watering ; previously hoeing the 

 ground among them, and closing it well about their 

 roots. 



Of solving and planting Brocoll. 



Brocoli, for a late crop, may be sown about the 

 middle or end of the month. 



The plants sown in March for an early crop, 

 will be fit to plant out about the middle or end of 

 the month. They should be planted in a free open 

 spot of ground ; which should be dunged, if any- 

 wise poor ; and should be subtrenched, or deeply 

 dug. Plant in lines two feet apart, and eighteen 

 inches in line. In planting, be careful not to bury 

 the hearts of the plants. Give a hearty watering, 

 which repeat, if the weather be dry, and as neces- 

 sity may direct. 



