STORING BEETROOT AND CARROTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 109, 9 May 1936, Page 13

STORING BEETROOT AND CARROTS

In most parts of the country there is actually no need to lift and store root crops to preserve them against the weather. It is, however, a great convenience to be able to lift a crop and store it under cover; and prepare and use the ground for another crop; especially is this so in small gardens where the area is restricted. Once a crop has reached maximum size there is very little to be gained by leaving it in the ground, and often there is a loss, for

if the weather is mild and the roots commence to swell the result is that cracks appear, which usually cause the root to decay. When storing the aim should be to store so that the temperature is low and even, and the moisture is just sufficient to prevent shrivelling, although it is better to be dry enough for the roots to shrivel a little than to be too moist. Sand is the best medium to use to store the roots in. Lift the roots carefully and wren-h off the tops; do not cut them off. The stack can be made almost anywhere so long as it can be protected from the weather, but a good position is in a corner of an open shed so that the two walls can be used to support the roots. Between each layer of roots put a layer of sand so that no two roots actually touch each other. If there is the danger of insects attacking the roots, dust each layer with a mixture of ten parts flowers of sulphur and one part arsenate of lead. This will help to keep both insect and fungoid pests at bay. Arsenate of lead is poisonous, but a? the roots are p?eled and washed before cooking there is no danger from its use if ordinary care is taken in handling it. If the heap must be made in the open cover with sheets of iron or boarda.