Vegetables with Edible Leaves or Stems 101 



plished more easily; but the chances of getting a good 

 stand are reduced, and the plants may suffer greatly. 

 All inferior plants should be rejected. In setting out in 

 the field the plants are placed in checks 10 by 10 inches 

 according to the size of the variety. 



Another method which is not usually practiced, but which 

 gives stronger and better plants, is as follows : As soon as 

 the seedlings are up strongly and before the leaves begin to 

 form, the largest are picked out with the point of a knife 

 or a similar tool. These seedlings are then set out in rows 

 4 inches apart, and an inch apart in the row. Only first- 

 class plants should be selected, and the inferior ones de- 

 stroyed. As soon as the plants are set out, they should 

 be sprinkled thoroughly, and they will grow off without a 

 perceptible check. Before the plants begin to touch in 

 the rows, they should be transplanted again, this time 

 being placed in checks 4 by 4 inches. At this time the 

 largest should again be chosen and the inferior ones de- 

 stroyed. In a few weeks from this second transplanting, 

 the plants will be ready to go to the field. If they are to 

 remain in a coldframe, they should be planted in checks 10 

 by 10 inches to 14 by 14 inches, according to the variety. 

 If they are to be planted in the field, the same distances 

 are used. 



Nitrate of soda dissolved in water (about an ounce to 

 a gallon) is often sprinkled on young lettuce beds to 

 hasten the growth. It might be worth while to try nitrate 

 of potash instead, as it would perhaps be less likely to 

 induce diseases. Lettuce must make a quick growth and 

 head well, and to do this it requires more fertilizer than 

 most other garden vegetables. 



