Lifting Beetroot And Carrots

The main crops of these two useful vegetables are now mature, and may be taken up and stored. The fork should be used with care, especially in the case of Beetroot, as if the root is injured the colour is lost. It generally suffices to loosen the soil with the tool, the roots can be drawn out afterwards by grasping the tops with the hand. The tops should be removed without injury to the crown. The roots keep well in sand, and under straw with a covering of soil. Parsnips should be left in the ground, and only lifted as required for use.

Cabbages, Celery, And Leeks

Cabbages for spring may be planted, and Celery earthed, in accordance with the hints given last month. Leeks may also be earthed. Potatoes may be lifted and "clamped " under straw and earth when the foliage turns yellow. See that no unsound tubers are put away with the others, or more may be contaminated.

Tomatoes ought to be ripened off under cover if they have not already coloured out of doors. It is dangerous to leave them out any longer.

Fig. 82. - Storing Root Vegetables.

a. Where to remove the leaves of Beetroot.

b. The portion of a Carrot top to leave on.

c. The roots stored.

d. Soil.

e. Straw.