142 VEGETABLE FORCING 



ferences to retard the growth of the plants in the per- 

 manent beds. Then, too, market demands are variable, 

 and it becomes necessary at times to defer harvesting for 

 a week or more after the time when the grower thought 

 the beds would be cleared ready for another lot of plants. 



If the plants are growing in pots, they may be held for 

 a longer period than is possible when they are in flats or 

 beds, because the pots are easily separated, more space 

 being thus allowed for each plant. The crowding of the 

 tops of plants is much more injurious than restriction of 

 the root growth. 



If separate compartments (Fig. 48) are available, the 

 potted plants may be placed by themselves and cultural 

 conditions provided which will retard their growth. 

 Even if the plants should become larger than is desired, 

 they can be shifted to the beds without difficulty, and a 

 satisfactory crop may be obtained. 



Pots enable the grower to utilize every square foot of 

 space in the greenhouse. (See Fig. 49.) If a plant here 

 and there dies, or fails to make satisfactory growth, the 

 pot can be removed and the vacancy filled with a good 

 plant. It is also possible to place them in different parts 

 of the house, wherever there may be unused space. Many 

 growers find that it is economy to stand or plunge potted 

 vegetables for short periods between plants in the per- 

 manent beds, thus making the space do double duty. 



If insects or diseases appear at any time, the potted 

 plants may be removed and sprayed, fumigated or per- 

 haps destroyed. 



Most greenhouse growers prefer to use earthen pots. 

 With good care they will last for many years. Additions 

 to the supply may be made from year to year until the 

 required number has been purchased. Paper pots of 

 various descriptions appeal to others, largely because 

 they are less expensive than earthen pots. Berry baskets 



