204 THE HANDBOOK FOE PRACTICAL FARMERS 



A B 



Fig. 112, — ^Both of these heads of let- 

 tuce were planted at the same 

 times. A, Boston Head lettuce 

 going to seed. B, Head of Han- 

 son Improved will thrive in hot 

 weather. 



Fig. 113. — Cucumbers started early 

 in a strawberry basket. 



The purpose of the cold frame 

 is to have a place in April or 

 May to which to transplant seed- 

 lings from the hotbed so that 

 they may develop a more healthy and stocky set of plants. It is 

 also a change from the heat to the temperature out of doors. The 

 cold frame may be covered mth any material that will keep out 

 the light frosts. After the frost has passed and the garden soil 

 is properly prepared, these plants may be transferred to the 

 open. 



Hardening the plants is a practice necessary if the best 

 results are looked for. In the hotbed and cold frames the plants 

 are supplied with moisture when necessary and protected from 

 winds and cold. In order that these young plants may not feel 

 a shock when placed in the open, you should increase the ven- 

 tilation until the sash or other protective covering is entirely 

 removed and the plants exposed, and decrease the watering so 

 that the plant becomes accustomed to nature's periods of 

 supplying moisture. 



Before transplanting to the field, soak the soil with water so 

 that the soil may adhere to the roots of the young plants, and 

 Avater the plants again as soon as they are set in the soil. 



The cold frame may be taken apart after its usefulness has 

 passed and the space used for various garden crops. 



