SWISS CHARD 



109 



very hardy they are commonly planted in September in the south- 

 ern states. They will produce a good growth and may remain in 

 the garden all winter without injury. This gives a crop ready for 

 use during the open winter or early spring. In northern latitudes 

 the bulbs are planted in very early spring and will develop a crop 

 similar to green onions from onion sets in a few weeks after planting. 

 Chives. — This crop grows in dense tufts forming clusters re- 

 sembling a grass sod. The green growth is cut and used for flavor- 



Fig. 73. — Well matured onions curing in wind rows before topping. (Michigan Station.) 



ing and is followed by renewed growth. The plant is so easily 

 propagated by division of the mass of roots that growers find it 

 rather a serious pest in the garden. 



Swiss Chard. — This plant belongs to the beet family and has 

 a leaf somewhat resembling the sugar beet, but with long fleshy 

 leaf stems. These stems may be cooked and served with cream 

 dressing in a manner similar to serving asparagus. The leaves 

 themselves are used as greens, and are as mild as spinach for this 

 purpose. There is no fleshy root as in the true beet. 



