256 VEGETABLE FORCING 
will mature over a much shorter period than they will 
when thinning is not practiced, and they will be larger 
and more uniform in size and shape. 
Some growers allow only % to 34 inch of space be- 
tween plants of the smallest varieties, but this is too 
close for the best development of most varieties. The 
more generally approved plan is to thin to from 8 
to 10 plants per each linear foot of row. An inch and a 
half between plants is sufficient space for most turnip- 
shaped sorts. An occasional grower allows 2 inches. 
Larger roots are produced when the spacing is liberal, 
and higher prices for them may justify the practice. 
Intercropping.—When radishes are used for inter- 
cropping with lettuce and cauliflower, it is important to 
select varieties of light foliage and to see that the plants 
are not crowded. If ample space is allowed between the 
rows as well as between the plants in the rows, good 
roots may be grown, and there will be no appreciable 
interference with the lettuce or cauliflower. 
Watering.—A constantly moist bed provides ideal con- 
ditions for the radish. Over-watering, especially if tem- 
peratures are too high, is likely to cause damping-off of 
the seedlings. If they escape this disease, they will be- 
come top heavy and the roots will be small and late in 
maturing. 
Beds should be watered thoroughly after the seed is 
sown, and sufficient water should be used at this time 
to require no further applications until the plants are up 
and ready to thin. When sowings are made under glass 
in warm, bright weather, two or three waterings may be 
necessary to supply moisture until the plants are up. 
The beds are likely to dry out more rapidly next to 
the walks, and dry spots may appear here and there which 
will require extra applications of water. Such places may 
be watered very quickly with a special nozzle attached 
to a hose. Excessive watering when the radishes are 
