4<j6 
VEGETABLE GARDENING 
in a wide range of soil types. To secure large yields and 
high quality it must be fertile and constant in supply of 
moisture until the roots have attained a marketable size. 
663. Climate. — The turnip thrives best in a cool, moist 
climate. As only 6 to 8 weeks are required from seed 
sowing till maturity, it may be grown successfully in the 
most northern cultivated sections. The leaves are hardy 
and the roots may be left unprotected in the open ground 
until there is danger of hard freezing weather. 
664. Varieties. — White-fleshed varieties are in most 
common use although the yellow-fleshed sorts are pre- 
ferred by some. In shape the roots are oblate, oval, 
spherical or conical. Formerly the flat varieties were 
generally grown, but the markets now prefer the more 
spherical forms. Some of the most popular varieties in 
cultivation are White Milan, Red or Purple Top (Strap 
Leaf), White Flat Dutch (Strap Leaf), Purple Top 
White Globe, White Egg and Yellow Globe. 
665. Seed Sowing. — For the early crop, sow the seed 
as soon as the ground can be prepared ; for the late crop, 
sow in the latter part of July or early in August, depend- 
ing upon locality. The rows may be 12 to 18 inches 
apart if a wheel hoe is to be used in cultivating, and 26 
to 30 if a horse cultivator is to be employed. The tend- 
dency is to sow the seed too thickly, and thus necessitate 
a large amount of labor in thinning. If one good seed is 
dropped to every inch of furrow the stand should be 
satisfactory; even then thinning will be required. For 
the early crop the plants should be about 2jd to 3 inches 
apart, while for the larger late varieties 4 or 5 inches 
between plants in the row will not be too much space. 
The seeds should be planted from Jd to Y\ inches deep. 
For the late crop the seed is often sown broadcast in 
well-prepared soil, and then raked in very lightly. This 
is a favorite plan on general farms, where roots are 
wanted for stock feeding and also for the home table. 
