14.7 SALAD 



^*' CROPS 



scattering seeds along the brookside, or by 

 planting bits of stems in the mud. When once 

 established it will care for itself, and gives the 

 grower no trouble. Although it does best 

 along the sides of running streams, water-cress 

 will grow anywhere if it can get moisture enough, 

 even though not covered with water. Any 

 moist, shady garden spot will do, if it is fre- 

 quently watered, and gardeners often use aban- 

 doned hot-bed pits, where the hose can be turned 

 on the plants daily. 



Two women made a nice profit by sending 

 fine water-cress, packed in oiled paper and card- 

 board boxes, to select customers by maU. 



Common garden cress is a cool-weather, short- 

 season annual, whose seeds may be sown early 

 in the spring in a cool, rich soil, as its whole 

 value as a salad plant depends upon its quick, 

 vigorous growth. The plant runs quickly to 

 seed in hot weather, or if left in the ground until 

 late in the season. It is easily grown in pots or 

 boxes in the house in winter; or, if wanted for 

 fall use, the seeds may be sown in late smnmer 

 and in early fall. Under ordinary conditions, 

 the leaves are ready for use about six to eight 

 weeks after seed is sown. There are a number 

 of varieties of the garden cress; the sort with 

 curled leaves being most in demand. It is not 



