ROOT, TUBER, AND BULB CROPS 99 



Light fertile soils are best for the radish. The seed is sown 

 in rows. The small-growing varieties may be put rather close 

 together in the row, but they should be thinned to give the 

 plants enough space. In the home-garden, the radishes may 

 be planted closely and thinned frequently, the roots removed 

 in thinning being used on the table. Some of the small rapid- 

 growing sorts mature from seed very quickly (in two or three 

 weeks). Radishes must have plenty of moisture, as dry 

 weather checks their growth, and pithy roots are the result. 

 There are early sorts of radishes to be planted at the beginning 

 of spring; summer varieties to be planted later; and still 

 other kinds suited to producing fall crops. By planting the 

 proper varieties at intervals, a continuous crop may be 

 obtained for the table. 



160. Turnips and rutabaga. Although turnips will grow 

 on almost any type of land, light soils produce those of best 

 flavor. Seeds of the early sorts are sown as soon as spring 

 opens. The later kinds are planted in the summer, maturing 

 late in the fall, and are usually stored for winter use. The 

 rutabaga requires a longer growing season than does the 

 turnip. Both the turnip and rutabaga are cold climate plants 

 and do well in the North. In climates having hot days and 

 nights during the summer, these crops do not thrive, and the 

 roots become stringy and bitter. 



BULB CROPS 



The edible bulb crops include a number of plants belonging 

 to the onion family, such as onions, chives, leeks, shallots, 

 and garlic. 



161. Onion (Figs. 67, 68). The origin of the onion, as is 

 the case with many other plants cultivated from an early 

 period, is somewhat obscure. The onion is mentioned in 

 biblical literature, and is referred to in the inscriptions ap- 

 pearing upon the Egyptian pyramids. It is believed to be a 



