286 The Principles of Vegetable- Gardening 



very largely in its tenderness and succulence. If the 

 plant grows slowly, it is woody, stringy and bitter. 

 In order to secure a quick growth, the land should be 

 rich and moist, and in fine tilth. 



The turnip is one of the easiest of all plants to grow, 

 except that it is very seriously attacked by the root 

 maggot. This pest can be kept in check by injecting 

 bisulfide of carbon into the ground about the plants, 

 but this labor is usually more than the turnips are 

 worth. It is better, therefore, to grow turnips on land 

 that has not been infested ; or, if there is no such 

 land on the premises, it is advisable not to grow tur-, 

 nips until the insects are starved out. 



For garden use, particularly for the early season, turnips are 

 sown in drills 10 to 18 inches apart. In drills, use 1 ounce of 

 seed for every 200-300 feet, or 1 pound to the acre: broadcast, 

 use 2-3 pounds to the acre. The plants should be thinned until 

 they stand at first 3 inches apart ; and then, as some of the young 

 roots are removed for eating, until the main crop allows a foot 

 of space for the development of each full -sized tuber. The late 

 or fall crop is often sown broadcast, particularly if it is to be 

 used for stock-feeding. Better results are secured, however, if 

 the plants are grown in rows. For general field purposes, the 

 rows are placed from 18-30 inches apart, so as to allow of wheel- 

 hoe or even horse -hoe tillage. If the plants are grown from 

 broadcast seeding, the land should be in excellent condition and 

 free from weeds, as no subsequent tillage is possible. It is an 

 adage in many parts of the northern states that 



On the 25tli of July 

 Sow turnips, wet or dry. 



Staple kinds are Milan, Purple-Top Munich, Teltow (excellent 

 for home use). 600-1,000 bushels may be grown to the acre. 



The turnip is one of the Cruciferge or mustard family. It is 

 known as Brassica Rapa. It is an annual plant if the seeds are 



