HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING 
BEETS 
XJ EX 1 to turnips, beets are the principal “root” 
^ ^ vegetable for winter use and as such they enjoy a 
far greater popularity in Europe than in America. They 
are easily grown in any soil, have no insect enemies of 
any consequence, are easily harvested and stored. 
Since the young beet plants are very hardy, the seeds 
may be sown very early in the spring. Some sorts develop 
much quicker than others, but the late-maturing kinds 
are the best keepers. Extra early sorts may be sown as 
late as the middle of July to grow large enough for winter 
use. 
Beet seeds are “spongy” kernels containing from two 
to four “germs” each. To make them sprout quickly and 
uniformly, walk over the rows after sowing seeds. For 
this and other particular points of cultivation see pages 
I52-I57- 
A type of beet called Swiss chard is grown extensively 
for greens. It is fully described and dealt with on pages 
186-187 and 227. 
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