The Culture of Vegetables for Prizes, Pleasure and Profit

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1897 Excerpt: ... THE VEGETABLES. Introductory.--In the pages following we have sought to clearly and concisely explain the systems of culture which we have found the best. Only those varieties, which will be found in seedsmen's lists generally, are mentioned. Specialities offered by various firms are described in their trade catalogues. GLOBE ARTICHOKE. Soil.--Very deeply-worked ground is necessary, if large and tender heads be wanted. Manuring.--The land intended for a permanent plantation must be richly manured; and during hot weather copious supplies of liquid manure should be afforded the plants. Varieties.--Large Green is the best kind, though the Large Purple variety is preferred in France. Sowing.--Sow early in spring under glass, or in March and April in the open; and cover the seed with about 2 inches of good soil. Put out the seedlings in May 3 feet apart in rows 4 feet asunder. Suckers.--Old roots throw up suckers in spring; and some of these can be separated, when about 9 inches long, and rather deeply planted during April, the ground being afterwards trodden down round each plant. Culture.--Stolen crops of Dwarf Peas and Beans or Lettuce may be taken. Give the young plants, whether seedlings or suckers, a mulch of good manure after moving them; and water liberally in dry weather. Weed regularly, and occasionally stir the surface soil with a hoe. The old stems die, and can be cut down in autumn, the young leafage being slightly earthed up and covered with some dry, light litter, which must be removed in spring, the ring of earth being drawn away at the same time. Dig over the ground without injuring the roots; remove all but 3 or 4 suckers; and give a generous dressing of manure. The summer stems and leaves may be blanched towards the end of September, like Card...