CHAPTER X 



COOL SEASON VEGETABLES OF EARLY SPRING AND FALL 



The gardener can easily adapt to his own special needs, simple 

 directions for growing the special crops. Soils differ considerably 

 in their character, and variations in the different methods of prep- 

 paring the seed bed are necessary. Depth of planting varies accord- 

 ing to the soil moisture. Seeds may be planted deeper in dry soils, 

 and shallower in very moist soils. The depth of planting also varies 

 with the proportion of sand in the soil. Deeper planting is allow- 

 able in very sandy soils. If the depth is too great in clay soils the 

 sprouts may not push through the soil. The number of plantings 

 is also influenced by the character of the soil, the time of year, the 

 frequency of rain and other factors. 



Plants of this group do not thrive well in very warm weather. 

 They grow best in early spring and cool fall weather. 



Radishes. — Any good garden soil is suitable for radishes. The 

 depth of soil may be less than in the case of other root crops. They 

 mature quickly and must be tender and crisp to be relished. Many 

 gardeners plant radish seeds with other seeds so that the young 

 plants will show the row quickly, and thus allow earlier cultiva- 

 tion. The radishes are later pulled out from among the other 

 plants and used on the table. The best crops of radishes may be 

 grown if they are in rich soil with plenty of manure, and are sup- 

 plied with an abundance of moisture. The crop is very hardy, 

 and should be planted as early in the spring as the soil can be 

 worked. A succession of plantings may be made about ten days 

 or two weeks apart. Thinning is not necessary, except as the 

 largest roots reach edible size they may be pulled to make room 

 for others. 



Fall crops of radishes are as much relished as the spring crops. 

 They thrive in the long cool season of the autumn. The earliest 

 fall sowings may be made in August, and the latest sowings may 

 continue to grow until time for the ground to begin freezing. At 

 this time of year weeds are less troublesome, and the seeds need 

 not be sown in drills, but may be sown broadcast on a well prepared 

 soil and covered with the rake. A pound of seed will sow one- 

 tenth of an acre. In drill rows allow an ounce of seed to fifty feet. 



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