396 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
plied to this crop. Sprinkling before or after planting 
prevents the blowing of muck and sandy soils and the 
accompanying disastrous results in young plantations. 
Irrigation increases yields and insures the crop against 
loss from drouth. 
540. Harvesting. — When the bulbs are to be stored 
they will keep better if allowed to become fully ripe 
before pulling. Figure 93 illustrates a field of onions 
in ideal condition for harvesting; the top® ^re dead and 
FIG. 93. FIELD OF ONIONS AT HARVEST 
shriveled and the outer skin of the bulbs dry. While 
full ripeness is highly desirable, other factors should be 
considered: There is danger of second growth, espe- 
cially if there is much rain ; better prices for the early 
crop may be an inducement to gather part or all of the 
crop sooner than if the bulbs are to be stored ; when 
there are Iarg'e areas to harvest it is necessary to start 
in ample time in order to complete the work while 
weather conditions are favorable and before there is loss 
