Cauliflower 1439 



western New York the same advantage is obtainable, because the 

 men are realizing more and more that it is greatly to their ad- 

 vantage to organize. 



Sometimes further applications of fertilizer are furnished. 

 Bone meal, 300 to 400 pounds per acre, is often used; and one 

 or two applications of nitrate of soda, 100 to 150 pounds at each 

 application, are found valuable. 



The method of applying the fertilizer varies, some men claim- 

 ing that the best method is broadcasting, while others claim it 

 should be applied in the row. Where cover crops and intense, up- 

 to-date systems of farming are practiced, it may be desirable to 

 place the fertilizer in the row. If the opposite is the rule, broad- 

 casting should give better returns. 



CULTIVATION 



Cauliflower is a shallow-rooted crop, therefore cultivation 

 should not be deep. It should commence as soon as the plants 

 are set and be repeated very often. It is highly important that 

 the plant does not suffer from drouth. Cultivation should con- 

 tinue as long as it is possible to get through the field. 



TYING 



It is necessary to protect the head or flower from exposure to 

 sunlight. A perfect head of cauliflower should be dazzling 

 white. Sometimes but a day or two of exposure will cause the 

 head to become brown or purple. At first the leaves protect the 

 head, especially when the flower is small. However, when the 

 flower ha& developed to the size of a teacup, the leaves are pushed 

 aside. Then artificial means of covering become necessary. 

 The most common method of tying the heads is that of gathering 

 the leaves together over the top of the head and tying with a 

 piece of string, raffia or straw. It seems best to use different 

 materials for tying, in order to distinguish between the different 

 periods of tying. If on the first tying straw was used, the next 

 time string should be employed, and the next time probably fold- 

 ing the leaves over the head and twisting the leaves from opposite 

 sides, in order to hold these leaves in place, might be practiced. 

 The grower will then know just which to cut first. 



