348 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
the remainder of the crop as early in the spring as the 
roots can be dug. When stored, precautions should be 
taken to prevent the roots from shriveling and drying out. 
474. Yields will vary considerably, running from two 
to five tons to the acre. Many growers who sell direct 
to the consumer or to retail stores make larger profits 
by grating the roots and selling the product in glasses 
or jars rather than disposing of the fresh roots. 
KALE OR BORECOLE (Brassica olcracca acephala) 
475. History and importance. — Kale is grown exten- 
sively near Norfolk, Va., and to som'e extent on Long 
Island. Market gardeners occasionally grow small quan- 
tities, and sometimes it is seen in home gardens. It is a 
member of the cabbage family, used mainly in fall and 
spring as greens. The low, curled varieties are highly 
ornamental and are valued for garnishing and bedding. 
476. Varieties dififer greatly in form, size of plants and 
in character of foliage. The low sorts are hardier than 
the tall kinds, although all varieties winter without diffi- 
culty in southern sections, except in severe winters, and 
sometimes in the milder parts of the North. The most 
prominent varieties are Long Standing, Dwarf German, 
Dwarf Curled Scotch and Tall Green Curled Scotch. 
477. Soil. — Any soil well adapted to cabbage will, with 
proper management, produce good kale. 
478. Fertilizing. — Stable manures are most valuable 
for this crop, but high-grade fertilizers are also employed 
to advantage. Nitrate of soda is especially effective in 
encouraging a rapid, vigorous growth. It requires the 
same general treatment as cabbage. 
479. Planting.— Sowings should be made early enough 
in the summer for the plants to attain full size before 
cold weather. In the Norfolk region the plantings are 
made from the latter part of June until the middle of 
