114 CALIFORNIA VEGETABLES 



to raise the boxes sometimes by placing them on a piece of board 

 or bricks or to press them down a little into the heap, owing alto- 

 gether to the amount of heat generated. A little too much is worse 

 than not quite enough. After the plants get a few inches high they 

 can be transplanted into open beds somewhat sheltered from the 

 north winds, where they can remain until conditions favor their 

 planting out. 



Watering. In growing plants with heat, moisture conditions 

 must be especially regarded. Too great moisture and "damping 

 off" of seedlings is largely prevented in common vegetable seedlings 

 by adequate ventilation which has already been emphasized in con- 

 nection with prevention of excessive heat. Too little moisture is 

 almost as dangerous as too much. There should be, then, ample 

 watering with a fine spray or sprinkle of water from which the chill 

 has been removed. Most of the time, water standing in the sun 

 for a day will be of satisfactory warmth, but if not, a little boiling 

 water from the kitchen will temper quite a volume of cold water 

 for use in the beds and frames. 



Damping Off. Damping off of seedlings is due to a fungus 

 which attacks the tender growth when there is too much surface 

 moisture. It may be produced by rather a small amount of water, 

 provided the soil is heavy and the water is not rapidly absorbed 

 and distributed. On the other hand, a lighter soil taking water 

 more easily may grow plants without damping off, even though a 

 great deal more water has been used than on the heavier soil. Too 

 much shade which prevents the sun from drying the surface soil 

 is also likely to produce damping off, therefore one has to provide 

 for just the right amount of shade and the right amount of venti- 

 lation through circulation of the air, etc. The use of sand on the 

 surface of a heavier soil may save plants from damping off, be- 

 cause the sand passes the water quickly and dries, while a heavier 

 surface soil would remain soggy. Surface drying may also be pro- 

 moted by sprinkling in the morning rather than in the afternoon 

 or evening. Lime may be of advantage if not used in too great 

 quantities because it disintegrates the surface of the soil and helps 

 to produce a dryness which is desirable. Success in keeping the 

 surface dry enough and yet providing the seedlings with moisture 

 for a free and satisfactory growth is a matter which must be de- 

 termined by experience and good judgment and cannot be com- 

 pletely covered by any formula or prescription. Damping off may 

 be reduced or prevented by sterilization of the soil before planting 

 by using a pan-like cover of the surface and admitting live steam 

 under the cover and raising the surface to a high heat but this is 

 a process too elaborate for small growers to undertake. 



Covering for Beds and Frames. California growers largely 

 substitute cloth for glass in covering hot-beds or cold frames, be- 

 cause it gives all the protection needed, is also rather more of a 

 safeguard against overheating and it furnishes shade from too in- 



