Page:How and what to grow in a kitchen garden of one acre (IA howwhattogrowin00darl).pdf/198

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192
A KITCHEN GARDEN

a judicious thinning of the plants when young. The largest and sweetest turnips we have ever grown were of the Purple Top Strap-leaved variety, and were grown as a second crop after onions. The seed was sown broadcast, and no further attention given the plants except thinning while young. In the same manner and on similar soil we raised White and Black Spanish winter radishes of excellent quality, that weighed from four to seven pounds each. The Chinese Rose, though not so large, is the handsomest and one of the best winter radishes grown. The California Mammoth is a superb fall radish, but does not keep well in winter. The White Stuttgart is regarded as a summer radish, but I have had it, grown as a winter radish, to keep firm and solid till April.

Kale, or Borecole, is a valuable plant for spring greens. The variety called Dwarf German Greens is best for this purpose. Sow seed in drills about September 1st, and give thorough cultivation till the approach of cold weather. When winter sets in, give protection with a covering of straw or similar material, put on so as not to smother the plants. The most effective way of doing this is to place a layer of fine brush or cornstalks between the drills, to a height equal to or exceeding the height of the plants in the drills. Then cover all with a layer of clean straw, six inches deep. The object of putting the brush between the drills is to provide an air cavity between the plants and the covering.[1]

Corn Salad, or Vetticost, is a valuable little plant


  1. This is also sown at the same time as late cabbage, and grown in the same manner, being used as a fall and winter supply of greens, and we think is most palatable in this way.—Ed.