ROOT CROP PROJECTS 181 



Though numerous questions are asked in the following project, 

 very few page references are given, as it did not seem practicable 

 to give the large number that would be requir'ed for the many 

 vegetables of this group. Discussions of the various crops may 

 be found in W-VG, L, and C, and also in bulletins. 



1. Importance of root crops. — It is impossible to estimate 

 the importance of the root crops. They are grown in practically 

 all gardens, either for the home table or for commercial purposes. 

 The great city markets are never without them and thousands 

 of bushels are placed in storage every year. Most of the root 

 crops are easy to grow and the ambitious gardener may have one 

 or two members of this group for sale every month of the year. 

 They offer splendid financial possibilities. This is especially true 

 of the beet, carrot, radish, and turnip. The other members of the 

 group can often be produced at a profit. The growing of one or 

 more of the root crops may well have serious consideration as a 

 home project. It is important, of course, to determine market 

 needs, and to regulate the plantings accordingly. 



1. What is the importance of the various root crops on your local 



market ? 



2. Will it pay you to grow any of the root crops ? If so, which ones ? 



3. How generally are the root crops grown? 



4. Name the root crops in order of their importance. 



5. What is the history of each of the root crops f 



6. What are the chief botanical characteristics of each member of 



this group f 



7. Are the root crops " annuals " or " biennials "f 



