THE FARM GARDEN 189 



Preparing for Transplanting. When the ground 

 out of doors gets ready for transplanting, the plants 

 in the window boxes may gradually become used to 

 the colder air by having the window raised a little 

 at a time. The hotbed sash is left open on bright, 

 sunny days until the plants are ready for living in 

 the open air. 



Transplanting. In transplanting, one must handle 

 plants gently and plant them in freshly-turned soil 

 which is very fine. A hole is made with a dibble or 

 trowel. Put a cupful of water in each hole, and 

 press the earth firmly about the roots. Eoots of 

 plants are often broken off in transplanting. Ex- 

 cept with tomatoes and eggplants, part of the leaves 

 may be cut off so the roots will not have too much 

 top to feed until they get a firm hold. If the soil 

 is freshly turned and the transplanting is well done, 

 it is not necessary to water plants. If late in the 

 season the gardener may transplant on a rainy or 

 cloudy day. A handful of grass or hay packed 

 around plants that have just been set out is better 

 than covering with tin cans or flower pots, for they 

 need light and air to breathe. 



Rotating or Changing Crops. Every vegetable 

 has its own insect enemies and diseases. If the 

 same vegetables are raised 5'ear after year on the 

 same soil, these insects and diseases will grow worse. 

 The vegetable also uses up some of the particular 

 plant foods that it needs. Some plants are surface 

 feeders, the roots not growing deep. Beets, carrots. 



