Tomato 



for a limited number of years. Sooner or later the crop ceases to 

 make a return for the labour and expense lavished upon it. The 

 most enduring method is that which is based on chemical knowledge 

 of the constituents of the soil, and the relation which the plant bears 

 to it. One of the most successful growers for the London market 

 almost entirely avoids the use of stable manure, and he is able, 

 by applications of nitrate of potash, dissolved bones, and the occa- 

 sional use of lime, to grow splendid crops in the same houses year 

 after year. But the chief objection to the use of stable manure, even 

 when well rotted, is that it induces a free growth of foliage instead 

 of promoting an early development of fruit. One of the best com- 

 binations of artificial manure that can be used, both in preparing the 

 soil and as a top dressing, is superphosphate of lime, nitrate of potash, 

 and sulphate of ammonia. Some growers use nitrate of soda and 

 others kainet. A mixture of six pounds superphosphate, three 

 pounds of nitrate of potash, and two pounds of sulphate of ammonia 

 is sufficient for one rod of land. As a top dressing the artificials 

 should be mixed with a barrow-load of sifted rich soil a few days 

 before use. 



Another method of dealing with the soil under glass deserves 

 mention. There may be a difficulty in securing sufficient loam of a 

 suitable character for the entire border. In such a case break the 

 existing surface, whatever the nature of it may be, and upon this 

 make a ridge of sandy loam about eighteen inches or two feet wide, 

 and deep enough to cover the balls of earth when the plants are 

 turned out of the pots. As the roots show on the surface more soil 

 must be added, and finally they can be fed with a mulch or with 

 liquid manure. It is important that the liquid should be weak, and 

 then it may be alternated with pure water, either for borders or pots. 



All the conditions which answer for border work are applicable to 

 pots, and a limited number of plants brought forward in succession 

 will supply the requirements of a small household from early spring 

 until near Christmas. The pot system is conducive to free setting 

 and to early ripening, and for these reasons it is worth attention. 

 The plants should be kept short in the joint by frequent shifts until 

 the twelve-inch pot is reached, and this size will accommodate two 

 cordons or one plant having two branches, each of which will require 

 a separate stake for its support. Plunging the pots can be adopted 

 to save labour in watering. 



No advantage is to be gained by attempting to force Tomatoes in 

 a higher temperature than is consistent with healthy progress, although 



