A B C OF FLORIDA TRUCKING 107 



planting in the furrows, two feet apart in the row. it is 

 best to put at least three seeds to the hill* When the plants 

 are about six inches high thin down to one plant. You can 

 transplant the ones you pull up or sell them to one of your 

 neighbors who wishes to try this crop. 



CULTIVATION. 



Okra only requires enough cultivation to keep the weeds 

 and grass down. After a heavy rain it is a good idea to run 

 through the patch with a tooth cultivator to open up the 

 soil and let the warm air and sunshine in. 



VARIETIES. 



The White Velvet and the Perkins' Mammoth are the 

 leading varieties. The Velvet is best for home use, while 

 the Perkins Mammoth is preferred for shipment. Either 

 one makes to perfection here. 



PICKING AND PACKING. 



Okra will demand your constant attention from the time 

 it starts bearing until it quits, as the pods become hard very 

 quickly. It is best to go through the patch daily. You can 

 tell whether it is too hard by sticking your fingernail into 

 it. Pack in bean hampers. 



INSECTS. 



The only insect that bothers this crop is the cut worm, 

 and he is easily handled with bran mash (see chapter on 

 Insecticides). Spread this on the ground around the plant 

 about three inches from it. 



*Tbe truckor':: deRnition of a hill differs from the dictionary definition. 

 We mean a place in the rows where several seeds are planted. It <•:*•> 

 either be on a level with the row or elevated. 



