MUSTARD

Sinapis alba, and S. nigra





Mustard is much valued as a pungent salad, and for mixing in the bowl it

may take the place of Water Cress when the latter is not at command.

Mustard is often sown with Cress, but it is bad practice, for the two

plants do not grow at the same pace, and there is nothing gained by

mixing them. The proper sort for salading is the common White Mustard,

but Brown Mustard may be used for the purpose. Rape is employed for

market work, but should be shunned in the garden. As the crop is cut in

the seed leaf, it is necessary to sow often, but the frequency must be

regulated by the demand. Supplies may be kept up through the winter by

sowing in shallow boxes, which can be put into vineries, forcing pits,

and other odd places. Boxes answer admirably, as they can be placed on

the pipes if needful; they favour the complete cutting of a crop without

remainders, and this is of importance in the case of a salad that runs

out of use quickly and is so easily produced. From Lady Day to

Michaelmas Mustard may be sown on the open border with other saladings,

but as the summer advances a shady place must be found for it.