TRUCK CROPS 277 



It is impossible within the limits of this volume 

 to attempt a detailed discussion of each of these 

 numerous crops. A few remarks of a general nature 

 must suffice. For most of them, of course, the seed 

 is simply planted in the field where it is to grow. 

 Unlike the others, asparagus is a perennial. The seed 

 is planted in seed beds or nursery rows, where the 

 plants are allowed to grow from one to two years. 

 The old and expensive plan of deep trenching for 

 asparagus is unnecessary except perhaps on very 

 heavy lands. Its chief requirements are a good per- 

 meable soil and the very abundant use of manure and 

 fertilizers. Cabbages, celery, egg plant, peppers, and 

 tomatoes are usually planted in seed beds or in cold 

 frames and the plants are moved to the field when 

 from four to six weeks old. In the more northerly 

 districts it is usual to sow the seed of the last three in 

 hotbeds that are heated by manure or other artificial 

 heat and are protected by glass frames or sash. When 

 the first rough leaves appear, the seedlings are pricked 

 out into cold frames that are protected by glass or by 

 cotton cloth which is reenforced by hay or other cov- 

 ering during cold snaps. These frames are, of course, 

 opened during the day when the weather will permit. 

 The proper care of such plant beds is a matter re- 

 quiring experience and good judgment. From the 

 cold frames the plants are carried to the field, usually 

 with a ball of dirt, as soon as the danger of frost is 

 over. By this method it is possible to secure crops 

 from four to six weeks earlier than when the seed is 

 planted in the open air. In southern Florida and the 

 tropics these methods are, of course, unnecessary. 



