ROOT CROPS

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 109, 10 May 1934, Page 18

ROOT CROPS

HARVESTING AND STORING

Tho storing of root, vegetables is an important item upon which the winter supply of vegetables, is largely dependent. If not already done, all potatoes which have completed their growth, should now be lifted. The tubers -should be allowed to become reasonably dry before being stored, but must not be exposed to light for any length of time, or they will turn green and become unfit for use. Barrels or. strong cases aro better than sacks for storage purposes. Tho tubers may, with advantage, bo.graded before storing, and the barrels or boxes should bo covered with sacks to exclude light. Any cut or broken tubers should bo used at once, but"if necessary to store.them the broken surfaces- may be dusted with limo when", they will keep reasonably well.

Such vegetables as carrots, parsnips, beetroot, .and salsipy are usually stored between layers of sand or fine earth in a cool,.dark shed. When only a small quantity has to be dealt with boxes may be satisfactorily used. Place a shallow layer of sand or earth on the ■bottom of the box, then a layer of roots,- continuing the procedure until the box is full, finally finishing off with a deep layer of sand.

Beetroot and salsify require more careful handling, for if their roots are borken or pierced bleeding will take