146 VEGETABLE FORCING 



Whether the seed is sown broadcast or in drills is 

 largely a matter of preference. The work may be done 

 quicker by broadcasting. This method also results in a 

 more even distribution of plants, a factor considered im- 

 portant by some growers. On the other hand, the drill 

 method makes possible the application of water between 

 the rows without wetting the plants. The plants arc 

 easily and quickly pulled at the time of transplanting, and 

 remain in better order for this operation, thus saving 

 more time perhaps than the extra labor caused by sowing 

 in drills rather than by broadcasting. 



When drills are used, the furrows for lettuce, tomatoes 

 and seeds of similar size are usually about one-fourth of 

 an inch deep. The furrows are made with thin, narrow 

 strips of wood, such as a piece of plastering lath. The 

 seed may be sown with the thumb and finger or by the 

 use of an envelope. 



Whatever plan is used, it is exceedingly important to 

 sow the seed thin enough to prevent crowding. Ordi- 

 narily, eight to ten plants to each linear inch of the fur- 

 row are as many as will produce a stocky growth. If 

 the plants are to be pricked out very soon after they are 

 up, there is no objection to growing probably 15 

 to the inch. The furrows are quickly closed by the use 

 of the fingers or by drawing a pot label along each side 

 of the rows. After the furrows are closed the soil should 

 be firmed with a block of wood, and the beds thoroughly 

 watered. Lettuce is generally sown broadcast. 



Transplanting. Most growers prefer to make the first 

 shift when the rough or true leaves are partly formed, 

 which will be in three or four weeks from the date of 

 sowing. Others prick the plants out in 10 to 15 days, and 

 believe that this practice is favorable to the growth of 

 stocky plants. It is certain that there should be no 

 crowding of the plants in the flats or seed bed, and this 

 may be prevented by thinning or early transplanting. 



