182 Subtropical Vegetable-Gardening 



these carry the warmth away from the plants and soil 

 rapidly. It is not uncommon to find that the only 

 tomato plants which have survived a cold spell are 

 those that were sheltered from the wind by a dense ham- 

 mock or grove. 



Fertilizer. 



The fertilizer used should contain the following ingre- 

 dients : ammonia, 5 per cent ; available phosphoric acid, 

 6 per cent ; potash, 7 per cent. Use from 1000 to 2000 

 pounds to the acre, depending upon the fertility of the 

 soil and the distance apart that the plants are set. If the 

 soil is rich in humus or nitrogenous matter, a part of the 

 nitrogen should be withheld, as too much of this element 

 makes tomatoes soft and liable to have hollow places in 

 their interior. 



When the fruit is maturing, an abundance of available 

 potash in the soil is desirable to make it firm and solid. 



POUNDS TO THE ACRE 



A . f 275 to 550 nitrate of soda ; or 



'1200 to 400 sulf ate of ammonia. 



Phosphoric acid . . 600 to 1200 acid phosphate. 

 900 to 1800 kainit ; or 



Potash 



140 to 280 muriate of potash ; or 



140 to 280 high-grade sulf ate of potash ; or 



300 to 600 low-grade sulf ate of potash. 



Preparing the tomato field. 



A sandy loam needs little preparation. In fact, it is 

 usually sufficient to plow the land deeply and work down 

 with a cutaway harrow. All dead roots, brush, or debris 



