Illustrations showing the manner of storing cabbage for winter
use. Figure 1 showing three rows of heads and Figure 2, five
rows. C. Heads of cabbage. S. Soil banked over the heads. D.
Drainage ditches to carry off the water.]
Dry soil is then thrown on these heads to the thickness of five or
six inches and the roots left sticking out of the top; this covering
should be firmly packed, to prevent the entrance of water, and a small
gutter should be dug round the heap to carry it off. If, after the
cold weather has set in and the ground is slightly frozen, the heap is
covered with three to four inches of corn fodder or litter, it will
prevent the covering from freezing so hard, and will greatly lessen
the work of getting out the heads when wanted for use. When heads are
wanted, one end of the bank is opened and as many taken out as are
desired; the open end is then carefully covered over with soil. Too
many should not be taken out at once, as they retain their flavor
better when buried in this manner than when kept where they are exposed
to the open air. If it is desired to save some of the best heads for
seed, the roots of the plant must be buried as well as the top; they
can then be replanted early in the spring and a cross cut made in the
top of the head to assist the flower stalks in bursting through, as the
heads are sometimes so tight that they will rot before bursting.
[Illustration: EXTRA EARLY EXPRESS CABBAGE.]
[Illustration: EARLY JERSEY WAKEFIELD CABBAGE.]
EARLY VARIETIES--_Extra Early Etampes._--This cabbage is the earliest
heading variety that I have ever grown. The heads are small but round
and very solid, and it is ready for use nearly two weeks ahead of the
other early varieties.[4]
_Early Jersey Wakefield._--This has long been the chief favorite
for the general crop of early cabbage, and is deservedly popular, as it
is sure to head when the seed is good; the heads are of good size and
shape, and the quality is fine.
_Early Summer._--This succeeds the Wakefield, and has heads about
twice the size of the latter; they are round, very solid and slightly
flattened on top; it has few outside leaves and can be planted closely;
this variety matures about two weeks later than the Wakefield, and a
month after the Etampes.[5]