CROPS, METHODS, AND MANAGEMENT 



Specialisation 



In commercial gardening, as in other forms of business, 

 the truth of the old homely adage that it is unwise to 

 have all your eggs in one basket has been often proved. 

 These are days of specialisation, and it is well to have 

 some crop to which particular attention is paid, to excel 

 if possible in its production, and to gain a propor- 

 tionate reputation. But the uncertainties of British 

 weather, and the variability of British taste in some 

 matters, are apt to lead to unexpected failures, with 

 disastrous results if there is nothing else to depend 

 upon. The advice given by the savant with regard to 

 general knowledge, " learn everything of something, and 

 something of everything," is just as applicable to 

 gardening for profit, as the wider the range of a man's 

 cultural knowledge, the more likely is he to keep up to 

 the times and ahead of his rivals. At the same time, it 

 is not advisable to attempt too much, or that may lead 

 to equally bad results. It has been proved that gigantic 

 businesses can be created in the production of a few 

 special crops like Grapes, Cucumbers, or Tomatoes 

 amongst under-glass fruits ; Roses, Chrysanthemums 

 or Daffodils amongst flowers ; Celery, Onions, Asparagus, 

 Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Brussels Sprouts, or Potatoes 

 amongst vegetables ; and Apples, Pears, Strawberries, 

 Raspberries, Currants, or Gooseberries amongst hardy 

 fruits and such exceptional crops as Mushrooms both 

 outdoors or under cover. 



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