CONDITIONS FOR TOMATOES. 343 



spring heat at the south, which is attained earlier in shel- 

 tered places in the interior at the north from which ocean 

 influences are excluded. There are places in the interior 

 at the south, east of the high mountain range, which are 

 furnishing tomatoes earlier than either the southern coast 

 or the northern interior. Still, in the all-the-year demand 

 for the tomato, it is necessary to bring some fruit from 

 Mexico and from the forcing houses of the Southern States, 

 and it is probable that more forcing of tomatoes will be 

 undertaken in this State in the fuutre. No vegetable has 

 advanced so rapidly in public esteem during the last 

 decade as the tomato. 



Requirements of the Tomato. For early tomatoes which 

 can attain their chief growth before the close of the rainy 

 season, somewhat elevated situations, above the lowland 

 frosts, and with light, warm soils and free drainage, should 

 be selected. Sometimes frosts will occasion replanting, for 

 which a stock of thrifty plants should always be in readi- 

 ness. It is idle to attempt the growth of early tomatoes 

 on a commercial scale except on situations naturally fitted 

 for them. In the family garden, however, slight covering 

 from frost can be successfully undertaken. 



For the main crop of tomatoes, rich, lower lands, either 

 naturally retentive of moisture or supplied therewith by 

 irrigation, are usually employed. Even heavy valley soils 

 are profitably used by thorough preparation before plant- 

 ing and cultivation afterward. Late planting can be prac- 

 ticed and immense yields are secured for harvesting in 

 September and October, when the fruit is of superior 

 solidity and the canneries are clear of their summer fruit 

 work and can turn their full capacity to this most popular 

 canned vegetable. In some parts of the State, November 

 and December tomatoes are very profitable when autumn 

 frosts and rains are light. 



The moisture requirements of the tomato are moderate, 

 but they must be adequately met. Stunted vines and 

 small, inferior fruit are the results of drouth. High heat 

 can be endured and favors growth, provided ample 



