70 



TOMATO CULTURE 



the larger growing sorts should have at least 3 feet 

 and the dwarf sorts 2 feet. When one has a hotbed 

 or cold-frame it is often an advantage to set a row 

 of tomato plants nearly 18 inches apart at the back 

 end much earlier than they could be safely set in the 

 open ground, and if these are allowed to grow on in 

 place, as shown in Fig. 19, being pruned and tied to 

 stakes, they will give some very early fruit. 



In the greenhouse. — Experience and practice differ 

 as to the most desirable distance apart for plants under 

 glass. But 2 feet apart, where quality is the main con- 

 sideration, and 18 inches when quantity, if fair, is of 

 more importance than extra quality. 



Setting plants in the field. — The economical and 

 successful setting of plants in the field is an important 

 element of successful tomato culture and is very de- 

 pendent upon soil and weather conditions. It is as- 

 sumed that the soil of the field has been put into the 

 best possible condition of tilth, but its condition as to 

 moisture is also very important. The worst condition 

 is when it is wet and muddy, especially if it is at all 

 clayey — not only is the cost of setting greatly in- 

 -^reased, but plants set in such soil can seldom, by any 

 amount of care, be made to do well, especially if a 

 heavy beating rain or dry windy weather follows im- 

 mediately ; the condition is less unfavorable if a warm 

 gentle rain or still moist weather follows. A dry cold 

 wind, even if the day is cloudy and the soil in good 

 condition, is also unfavorable, particularly if the roots 

 of the plants are exposed. 



Wet soil, cold, dry air and wind are the conditions 

 to be avoided. Moist, not wet, soil and still, warm air 



