340 Gardening 
Fic. 184. Preparing root crops for storage. Only the sound vegetables should 
be selected for storage, and these should not be cut or otherwise injured. Proper 
selection and preparation often determine the keeping qualities of vegetables 
stored as much as the conditions of storage themselves. 
clinging earth. All vegetables should be stored before 
they are frozen, and carefully handled to prevent 
bruising. 
(2) The temperature under which they are stored should 
not vary suddenly or greatly. For most vegetables it 
should not go above 50° F. and of course should not fall 
below the freezing point. 
(3) Ventilation must be provided. More vepatabies 
are lost in storage through failure to provide ventila- 
tion than from any other cause. Especially during the 
warm weather of autumn and spring, vegetables are 
likely to “ heat ” and decay if they are shut up without 
air. 
(4) For all vegetables except onions, sweet potatoes, 
