Root Crops and How to Grow Them 215 
the more northern states of zone G, about August 1 in 
zone E, and September 1 in zone C). The roots can thus 
mature in the cool weather of autumn. Before the heavy 
frosts occur, the roots should be pulled and placed in soil 
or sand and stored in a basement or a storage cellar. 
The Celestial (or White Chinese), the Long Black 
Spanish (especially good for storage), and the Sakura- 
jima (or Mammoth Japan) are standard varieties. 
TURNIPS 
The turnip is essentially a cool-season crop. The 
different varieties are ready for use in from 45 to 70 days, 
and the earliest sorts are usually those grown as spring 
crops. There are about 20 varieties in cultivation. Of 
these, Early Purple Top Milan, maturing in about 45 
days, and White Globe, maturing in about 70 days, are 
standard varieties suitable to nearly all parts of the United 
States. 
Growing turnips as a spring crop. In many localities 
spring turnips are not a success because hot weather 
comes before they are large enough for use, and they soon 
become woody and bitter. But in localities having 
cool and moist summers, crops maturing during summer 
are often of fine quality. For these crops lay out the 
rows 12 inches apart and sow seed in the furrows 3 inch 
deep. 
The beginner should attempt to grow only the very 
earliest sorts as a spring crop. ‘Two sowings, each a row 
15 feet in length, will probably be sufficient for the family 
needs. 
