The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1876-05-25
Culture Of Root Crops.

ONE of the agricultural mistakes of this
country is the small amount of root crops
grown; in fact, the majority of the farm
ers of the West grow no root crops at all
for their stock. Roots are of great advan-
tage during the fall, winter and spring
months when stock are kept on dry feed
Especially our horses should have a mess
of carrots often during the winter months.
These dumb servants that are so useful,
should have the best of care, and never
receive cruel treatment at our hands.
In the New England States, roots are
universally grown for stock feed by all
the best farmers and others of that section.
1t pays there. for no people look after the
almighty dollar closer than the New En-
gland farmers. Turnip culture is said to
be the sheet anchor Of British agriculture,
although they are ranked among the least
nutritious OF our vegetables. They can
be grown very cheaply if the right method
is used, and are good for sheep and useful
for other stock. The best roots for stock
feeding, however, are the long, yellow ami
Belgian white carrots; the MOST profitable
are the sugar and mangle wurtzel beet.
These roots contain considerable sugar,
and are relished by all kinds of stock;
besides, they can be fed without cutting,
are easily grown and harvested at small
expense. They require some care in
heaps, for they are liable to heat.
These different root crops can be grown
on a variety of soil under favorable cir
cumstances. The best soil, however, is a
new, rich, sandy loan, or other new land
where we shall not be troubled with many
weeds Old land will require heavy coat
of manure. The best method is to prepare
old land the year before, by summer fall
lowing, heavy manuring by yarding the
sheep or cattle. if possible, at night.
Deep blowing and good cultivation will
kill all the weeds and grass with most of
the weed seeds, which will rendef cult
walton comparatively easy next season,
and heavy crop can be grown at small
expense.
we'll remember my first experience in
carrot culture, when the weeds drove me
from the field, and learned me this lesson
that no person should attempt to growa
root crop in q careless manner. This
crop must have the best cultivation to
make it pay. I have grown large crops
Of carrots and beets at small expense by
the following method: Plow deep late in
the fall, which will pulverize the soil and
kill the wire-worm and cut-worm. About
the first Of May pillow the land again, and
harrow and roll it we'll. During the fore
part of this month, on a dry day, make
light ridges with one-horse pillow, two
feet apart, for carrots, two and halt feet
apart for beets; press down the ridge and
sow Immediately with machine. Put in
plenty of seed. Be sure you have good
seed; the way to know that is to grow
your own
Rutabagas can be put in about one
month later, by the same method, and a
good crop can be grown, of first quality,
which will answer we'll to feed late in the
spring. Nearly all the cultivation of
these crops is done with the horse. l
have a one-horse cultivator, cutting one
foot wide, with which most Of the work is
done. Sometimes use a light one-horse
pillow, throwing the soil to or from the
plants, depending on circumstances. They
must receive good cultivation, and the
weeds must be kept down. The way to
do this is to stir the soil often, just as the
weed seeds are sprouting. Never let them
show their heads above ground, for they
will soon become master of the situation.
Turnlps are grown best on new land, or
by breaking up an old, rich pasture. Do
this the last of June and harrow and roll
the land we'll. If light coat Of fine ma
nure Or wood ashes could he put on, SO
much the better. Sow broadcast and
brush in with light one-horse brush. If
the seed is good. be careful not to put on
| too much, They require one good hoe.