278 VEGETABLE FORCING 



example, prices for the spring crop are always higher 

 early in June than later in the month, and it is important 

 to sow in ample time to mature the crop so as to obtain 

 the highest prices. 



Seed for the fall crop is usually sown from June 20 to 

 July 1. A few growers sow from July 15 to August 1, 

 but this is regarded as very late sowing. There should 

 be special reasons for starting the fall crop later than 

 July 1. The fruit should be well set by the middle of 

 November, when there is usually much more cloudy 

 weather than earlier in the fall. Seed for the winter crop 

 may be sown in succession from August 15 to No- 

 vember 15. 



There is considerable difference of opinion regarding 

 the best time to sow for the spring crop. Many of the 

 most extensive growers sow from January 1 to 15. 

 Others, who use the earlier varieties, such as Bonny Best 

 and Comet, sow from January 15 to February 1. A promi- 

 nent Irondequoit (N. Y.) grower sows Peerless from 

 January 15 to February 1. Many growers aim to set the 

 plants in the permanent beds about March 1, and such 

 plants will begin to ripen fruit the latter part of May or 

 early in June. The earliest varieties will give very good 

 results if not planted in the beds until March 15 or even 

 April 1. 



The commonest practice is to sow the seed in flats or 

 beds, as explained in Chapter IX. There should be ample 

 space between the rows and the seed should be sown 

 thinly so as to induce the growth of stocky plants. It is 

 desirable to transplant the seedlings before they show any 

 tendency to become spindling. Ordinarily, the first shift 

 can be made in three weeks from the date of sowing. The 

 plants are generally set in flats or beds and spaced from 



2 to 3 inches apart. When they begin to crowd, a second 

 shift is made to 3^ or 4-inch pots. Some growers make 

 four shifts, the first into flats or small pots, the second into 



3 or 3^-inch pots and the third into 5-inch pots, and 



