90 GARDEN STEPS 



for that reason. Other good types are the Erfurt 

 and the Snowball, which produce well if given ex- 

 pert care. 



Culture. — As the hot, dry weather of the Ameri- 

 can midsummer is likely to spoil the heads which are 

 forming at that time, it is better to plant rather late 

 ■ — some time in June. Then the heads will not be 

 forming until the hottest days are passed, and they 

 can get the benefit of the cool autumn rains. An- 

 other good reason for delaying this crop is the gen- 

 erous menu provided by the ordinary garden in mid- 

 summer. There is no lack of fresh vegetables then, 

 but in the fall the addition of a new dish like cauli- 

 flower will be welcome. 



Cauliflowers may be planted by the method 

 used for cabbage and may be transplanted in the 

 same way. The seed, however, is very expensive, 

 and every care should be taken to waste none of 

 the young plants. Though the seed is small, it 

 sprouts quickly and has strong growth ; so no fear 

 need be felt in planting it in the garden, a half an 

 inch deep, if the soil is well worked and fine. Set 

 the plants two feet apart in the rows. They need 

 the same space as large cabbages. 



When the white head begins to form, gather the 

 leaves together, so that they will protect it from the 

 sun and wind. Tie them in place with a soft string. 

 Do work of this kind in the afternoon of a. fair day, 

 if possible. In the morning or on wet days, the 



