482 MANUAL OF GARDENING 
the fragments of roots being left in the soil to grow for further 
use. This method results in having nothing but tough, stringy roots, 
very unlike the product of a properly planted and well-cared-for 
bed. A good horseradish root should be straight and shapely 
(Fig. 309). 
The best horseradish is secured from sets planted in the spring at 
the time of setting early cabbage, and dug as late the same fall as the 
weather will permit. It becomes, therefore, an annual crop. The 
roots for planting are small pieces, from 4 to 6 inches long, ob- 
tained when trimming the roots dug in the fall. These pieces may 
be packed in sand and stored until wanted the following spring. 
In planting, the roots should be set with the upper end 3 inches 
below the surface of the ground, using a dibber or sharp-pointed stick 
in making the holes. The crop may be planted between rows of early- 
sown beets, lettuce, or other crop, and given full possession of the 
ground when these crops are harvested. When the ground is inclined 
to be stiff or the subsoil is near the surface, the roots may be set ina 
slanting position. In fact, many gardeners practice this method of 
planting, thinking that the roots make a better growth and are more 
uniform in size. 
Kale. — Under this name, a great variety of cabbage-tribe plants is 
grown, some of them reaching a height of several feet. Usually, how- 
ever, the name is applied to a low-growing, spreading plant, exten- 
sively used for winter and spring greens. 
The culture given to late cabbage is suitable. At the approach of 
severe freezing weather a slight protection is given in the North. 
The leaves remain green through the winter and may be gathered 
from under the snow at a time when material for greens is scarce. 
Some of the kales are very ornamental because of their blue and 
purple curled foliage. The Scotch Curled is the most popular variety. 
Let the plants stand 18 to 30 inches apart. Young cabbage plants 
are sometimes used as kale. Collards and borecole ‘are kinds of kale. 
Sea-kale is a wholly different vegetable (which see). 
Kales are extensively grown at Norfolk, Va., and southward, and 
shipped North in winter, the plants being started in late summer or 
in fall. 
