Root Crops and How to Grow Them 221 
Parsnip seed is very likely to germinate poorly, and if 
more than one year old, it may fail entirely. It is a good 
plan to sow the seed rather thickly. The plants should 
be thinned until they stand 3 inches from one another 
in rows at least 12 inches apart. Salsify is less rank in 
leafy growth and can stand slightly closer than 3 inches 
in the row. 
The so-called Sandwich Island variety of salsify is 
the only sort widely cultivated in America. The Hollow 
Crown is the best variety of parsnip to plant; the variety 
Early Round has short, top-shaped roots of good flavor 
but of such small yield that it is not to be recommended 
for the home garden. 
HORSE-RADISH 
Horse-radish is a perennial plant that thrives best in 
rich loam soil. The roots are grated fine and used as a 
relish and condiment. Roots for use during autumn 
and spring may be dug as needed; those for use during 
winter can be stored in sand and placed in a cool cellar. 
New plants are always started from roots rather than 
from seeds. When digging roots for table use, spade 
deeply, breaking up the root clusters and removing the 
largest. New plants will arise from the small roots 
left in the soil. A few hills will provide a family with a 
sufficient supply of horse-radish. 
SWEET POTATO 
Sweet potatoes are grown successfully as a field and 
garden crop as far north as the upper parts of zone E. 
