CHAPTER VII 

 STORING AND PACKING 



43. Storage Cellars and Pits. That the greatest returns 

 from the vegetable garden may be had, a considerable por- 

 tion of many of the crops must be stored and held for sale 

 during the winter months. Such crops as beets, carrots, 

 turnips, celery, cabbage and potatoes are easily held if 

 properly stored. 



The root cellar is the most common storage. This may 

 be a cellar under a barn or house, or it may be a pit sub- 

 stantially walled and roofed to eciuip it for permanent use. 

 The cellar or pit should be frost proof and so located that 

 perfect drainage is had. Provision must also be made for 

 ventilation. During the early fall and in the spring, the 

 temperature of the storage is dependent upon the ventilation, 

 the doors and ventilators being opened at night and closed 

 early in the morning that the cool air of the night may be 

 held during the day. 



44. Storing Root Crops. The root crops to be stored 

 must be handled carefully to avoid unnecessary bruising. 

 The tops should not be cut too close to the root; about one 

 inch from the root is the right length to cut the tops. Do 

 not expose the roots to the air longer than is necessary 

 before moving them to the storage. Clean, moist sand 

 must be provided for covering and burying the roots. The 

 roots should be cool when placed in the storage. Root 

 crops can be held in good condition in open bins if the air 



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