Storing Garden Vegetables

An important job for October is the storage of vegetables. There are numerous vegetables that store well, but only under proper storage conditions. Low temperature and moist air are important factors to consider, and there are several methods of providing them.

A section of the cellar partitioned off to keep out heat is excellent, or the vegetables can be placed in a cellar window well and covered with boards and leaves. Another method is to sink a bushel basket or barrel in a dry section of the garden with the rim protruding slightly above ground level to keep out surface water. A sheet of tar paper over the top also helps keep out water. Over the top of such a storage place a heavy protective covering of leaves is necessary to keep out heavy frost. The ideal storage place, however, is a root cellar built into a dry bank, though a mere hole dug into a dry bank is satisfactory if the entrance is properly covered to keep out both cold and rodents. By the way I have even seen mandevilla stored for the winter as well.

If shelves are available, as they will be in a permanent root cellar, store root crops such as beets, carrots and parsnips in sand on the shelves. This sand can be moistened occasionally to prevent shrinkage of the vegetables. When vegetables are stored in outside containers, sand is not required because sufficient moisture is always present. In small storage places place the vegetables in mixed layers so that all varieties are readily available. All types of root crops can go into these storage bins, such as potatoes, turnips, onions, carrots, etc. Onions can also he stored in a dry attic or cellar and can freeze solid without harming them. To store cabbage, dig a pit in the garden about a foot deep. Pull up the cabbage, roots and all, and turn them upside down in the pit. Cover them with soil and bank it over with leaves to keep out frost.

Celery storage. When only a small amount of celery is to be stored, the coldframe method is satisfactory. Lift the celery from the soil, with the roots, when the plants are quite dry. Trim off some of the long, leaves and then plant it into the frame in tight rows.

After planting, water it at the roots, but keep the tops dry. Keep sash over the frame, but on bright days open it. As the weather becomes colder you will need to cover the celery with leaves under the sash and coldframe mats over the top of the sash. Leaves banked around the frame will also help keep out frost. The celery will blanch naturally when covered in this manner. Leeks, by the way, can go into the frame too. Celery stored in the frame is more readily available than when left in the ground over the winter. When it is to be stored in the ground, bank nine inches of soil over it and put leaves over the soil.

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Kent Higgins knows from experience why so many individuals get frustrated with the topic of mandevilla. Visit grow and understand better the subject of landscaping, house plants, lawn and garden.