HOME VEGETABLE GARDENING 
TURNIPS— HOW ' TO CULTIVATE, AND FIGHT 
INSECTS 
A S SOON as the young seedlings are two to three inches 
tall, thin them out. The small, early kinds may be 
left to grow three inches apart in the row, while six inches 
is about right for the very large, late rutabagas. After the 
young plants outgrow the baby stage, they become 
healthy, rugged weeds and require little attention except 
that they should be hoed about once a week. 
Turnips have two insect enemies which are easily com- 
bated. While the plants are small they are apt to be at- 
tacked by the small black flea beetle which riddles the 
leaves with fine holes and causes the plants to die. Slug 
Shot or tobacco dust, sprinkled over the tops, while wet 
with rain or dew, will quickly drive away the beetles. 
The other and more serious pests are root maggots 
infesting the soil. Where they appear in any appreciable 
number it is best to shift the turnip rows to another part 
of the garden. 
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