RADISH 247 
Beds vs. benches.—The radish is forced both on raised 
benches and in ground beds. Most growers prefer 
ground beds. The winter crop may be matured on raised 
benches with bottom heat in from one to two weeks less 
time than on ground beds. If there are heating pipes 
under the benches, great care must be exercised to avoid 
forcing the crop too rapidly, as excessive top growth will 
be encouraged at the sacrifice of good roots. The regu- 
lation of temperatures and soil moisture will require less 
attention if ground beds are used. On the other hand, 
the space under benches, if heating pipes are located 
elsewhere, may be profitably used in forcing’ rhubarb 
and asparagus, and with the saving of time for each lot 
of radishes it is possible to grow an additional crop 
before planting the benches in the spring with tomatoes 
or cucumbers. 
Varieties—-The large varieties which are commonly 
grown out of doors are not desirable for forcing. Most 
consumers prefer the small, turnip-shaped roots, and 
these attain a marketable size in much less time than the 
long-rooted sorts. The early turnip-shaped varieties 
may also be grown much closer together, and this is a 
decided advantage in obtaining maximum profits. The 
best strains of forcing varieties have very small tops, so 
that the rows need not be more than 4 inches apart and 
the roots may stand very close together in the rows. 
The color of forced radishes is an important factor. 
As a rule, the markets prefer bright red rather than dark 
red roots. Some markets can dispose of a considerable 
quantity of white-tipped sorts. The olive-shaped varie- 
ties are often grown in frames. 
The quality of the different varieties should also be 
considered. Icicle, a well-known white variety, is of very 
high quality, and though the color is unfavorable for 
winter sales, the demand for this variety is increasing. 
Most commercial growers of large experience prefer 
