42 AROUND THE YEAR IN THE GARDEN 



If the soil in both seed flats and transplanting flats is 

 watered thoroughly a day in advance, it will be in the right 

 condition for good work. In taking the little seedlings from 

 the seed flats lift them out in a clump and separate them 

 gently with the fingers, taking care to disturb the fragile 

 rootlets as little as possible. In the transplanting flat 

 make a small hole with the forefinger or a small pointed 

 stick, lower the little seedling into it until the greater part 

 of the stem is covered, and with the thumbs and forefingers 

 press the earth firmly about it. After transplanting give 

 a thorough watering and keep the plants shaded from the 

 hot sun for a few days giving only an occasional sprinkling, 

 if necessary, to freshen up the plants until growth is re- 

 newed, as it should be at the end of a few days. 



Some six to eight weeks before it is safe to plant out- 

 side during the latter part of February in the latitudes of 

 New York, Chicago and Kansas City the hot-bed should 

 be filled for action. Even if you have not a hot-bed frame 

 already on the place it will not be necessary to forego its 

 advantages this spring. One may be purchased knocked 

 down and ready to go together with a few bolts and half an 

 hour's work. If necessary the bed may be made on solid, 

 frozen ground. 



If you are going to make a new frame pick out the sunni- 

 est and most sheltered place possible for it. A bed started 

 early should be equipped with mats or shutters as well as 

 glass sashes, so it may be given extra protection on very 

 cold nights. Doubleglass sashes cost more, but do not 

 require so much protection and have the great advantage of 

 keeping out the cold without shutting off the light. 



Whether you make the hot-bed on the ground or in a pit 

 the vital point is the heating material. Sometimes frames 

 built directly against the house, or near the greenhouse or 

 garage, may be heated by hot-water or steam pipes from 

 the near-by boiler, or even by warm air from the cellar. 

 In the great majority of cases, however, manure must be 

 relied upon. To produce satisfactory results this must be 

 of the right kind and must be carefully handled. Procure 



