VEGETABLE GROWING IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 27 



to ensure plants of strong growth with good root development, such as are 

 likely to yield a better and bigger crop than when raised wholly under field 

 conditions. Seed-beds allow of the greatest possible use being made of all 

 garden land, as plants can be raised in readiness for transfer to the garden 

 as soon as other crops nave been harvested. 



The soil medium used in the seed-bed or seed boxes should be carefully 

 prepared by mixing decayed leaf mould or manure from the compost heap 

 (it is better if sifted) with some good garden loam and a little sand. Such 

 a, soil will hold moisture well, and is light enough to offer no resistance to 

 the young plants when germinating. The addition of the mould and sand 

 will produce a large root development, which is of considerable importance 

 in the growth of the crop after it has been transplanted. 



When the prepared soil (which should be moist) is placed in boxes, it 

 should be pressed down, care being taken that the edges and corners are well 

 filled. The boxes should have openings in the bottom to allow of drainage ; 

 shallow boxes are convenient. 



To sow the seed, whether in boxes or larger beds, make very shallow 

 drills merely impressions across the surface of the soil, and sprinkle 

 the seed evenly along the drills. For light seeding the seeds should be 

 picked up between the finger and thumb, and slowly dropped with a rubbing 

 movement. Then shake a little prepared soil over the surface, and press 

 down firm with a block of wood. A little dry horse manure that is free 

 from weed seeds can then be sprinkled on the top, to prevent caking and to 

 act as a mulch. Cover the box with a sheet of newspaper or a bag until the 

 plants begin to appear, this being the means of retaining heat and moisture. 

 Once the plants are up, the boxes or beds will need careful watching, and 

 should be watered as occasion demands. The watering should be done with 

 a very fine rose and very lightly, so as to prevent the washing of the soil from 

 the roots and flattening of young plants. The boxes should be on a level 

 base, so that the effects of watering are uniform. 



Certain plants, such as melons and cucumbers, which do not transplant 

 readily, are sometimes raised in paper pots or veneer bands, or jam tins 

 prepared for the purpose. Full details of the methods are given in 

 connection with watermelon culture on page 59. 



Hot-beds and Cold Frames. 



In order to secure extra early crops, hot-beds and cold frames must be 

 resorted to. In many of our coastal districts there are localities where frost 

 seldom occurs, and it is therefore only necessary during the cooler weather to 

 use a r cold frame with a glass cover to secure early plants. 



