482 



MANUAL OF GABDEXIXG 



the fragments of roots being left in the soil to grow for further 

 use. This method results in having nothing but tough, string}^ roots, 

 very unlike the product of a properly planted and well-cared-for 

 bed. A good horseradish root should b? 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 tmtil 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 inchned 

 to be stiff or the subsoil is near the surface, the roots may be set in a 

 slanting position. In fact, manj?" 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 

 gro^^ii, 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 Xorth. 

 The lea^TS 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 fohage. 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. CoUards 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 

 infaU. 



