Part II. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



ROOT CROPS. 



ROOT crops are usually grown in drills 

 and are not ordinarily transplanted. 

 They are hardy and require little skill 

 in the gardener, but they need a cool season and 

 deep soil so as to grow long, firm and well 

 shaped. The quicker they grow the better the 

 quaUty, so that in the north it is necessary 

 to warm the soil with stable manure and have 

 it in good condition. Good tilth helps quick 

 growth and therefore improves the quaUty; 

 so that it rests with the gardener to make his 

 root crops among the first and the best in the 

 market. The price of a root crop depends al- 

 most entirely upon its looks, so have as few side 

 roots as possible, and cut off those that may 

 develop in spite of care. Forked or branched 

 roots should not be mixed in when we market, 

 for even a few such specimens lessen the price 

 ofaU. 



Early crops, such as radishes, beets, carrots 

 and turnips, are sold in bunches of 6 to 12. All 

 in the bunch should be of the same size and shape 



90 



