BROOKLYN BOTANIC GARDEN 
LEAFLETS 
THE BROOKLYN INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 
Series V 
Brooklyn, N. Y., June 13, 1917. No. 8 
THE STORAGE OF VEGETABLES 
Successful storage of vegetables depends in a large measure 
on the proper harvesting and handling of the crops. Vegetables 
that are bruised or broken in any way should not be stored as de- 
cay is almost certain to set in which may spread to the rest of the 
produce. Potatoes which are diseased (usually shown by shallow, 
dark-colored depressions) should be used immediately as the 
disease will continue to increase in storage and render the whole 
potato unfit for use. Great care should be taken in handlingbeets 
to avoid cutting or bruising the roots, or bleeding will ensue 
which will result in loss of color when they are cooked. 
A frost proof, well ventilated cellar, in which a uniform tem- 
perature, not much over 40° Fahr., can be maintained, forms an 
ideal storage place for the majority of root crops, and some of the 
stem vegetables. In cases where there is a furnace in the cellar 
producing a temperature that is too high, a part of the cellar may 
be partitioned off, preferably in a position where ventilation may 
be secured. Many vegetables may be cared for successfully in 
the garden by burying them in trenches and covering them with 
some non-conducting material such as straw. The disadvantage 
of this method is that in times of severe frost it is impossible to 
get the vegetables just when they are required for use. In no case 
should an attempt be made to store vegetables thus in the open 
unless the sub-soil is well drained and entirely free from stagnant 
water. Another important point is this connection is to avoid 
putting the whole of the covering on at one operation as there is 
danger of the mass of vegetables heating and becoming spoiled. 
The covering should be light at first and gradually increased as 
really severe weather sets in. 
“ ROOT” CROPS 
Artichoke (Jerusalem).— The tubers are perfectly hardy and may 
be left in the ground all winter, digging them as required when 
