VEGETABLE GROWING -IN NEW SOUTH WALES. 85 



the articles describing the fungus diseases of tomatoes will show. When the 

 plants become 5 or 6 inches high, some will want to outrun their neighbours ; 

 these should be pinched in a little, so as to allow the weaker plants to come 

 up uniform in strength before putting out. Any suckers that may appear 

 should also be removed if it is intended to grow for early fruit. 



For successive crops seed may be sown at intervals in the open, after the 

 frosts are gone. Prepare a bit of rich soil, and strike out drills not more 

 than half an inch deep. Sow thinly, cover lightly, and water sparingly. 

 The young plants should show up within a week, and if it is desired to push 

 them along, transplant into a nursery bed when they get their third leaf, 

 putting them 5 or 6 inches apart as previously advised, and then follow on 

 as before. Seed may be sown from June to nd of January, and crops may. 

 be grown for eight months in the year in some favoured spots even longer 



Protection from Frost. 



\ 



Transplanting. 



When all is ready for removing the young plants into the field, they should 

 'have a good watering some hours before, so that the roots will retain hold of 

 as much soil as possible. Plant at least one inch deeper than in the frame, 

 and if the quantity is not very large, evening is- the best time for moving 

 them, or after showers. 



It is better 1 to plant in rows 4 feet apart arid not less than 3 feet apart in the 

 rows, and to stake them up like vines in a vineyard, instead of letting them 

 trail on the ground, when they do not bear so well and are far more subject 

 to disease. The land should be kept clean between the rows and plants ; 

 some growers plant on the square to allow of cross cultivation. 



Picking, Packing, and Grading. \ 



Care should he taken when gathering the fruit that it be not bruised, or it 

 will decay rapidly. Tomatoes that are to travel long distances, or occupy 

 days in transit, should be picked when they begin to colour at the blossom 

 end. 



