98 A HOME VEGETABLE-GARDEN 



right hand, and put in a little tobacco dust, and a 

 bit of bone-meal. As the plant is placed in posi- 

 tion, pinch the leaf ends a bit, press back the earth 

 around the roots and then, with both hands, firm 

 the soil well. Then water, using enough to soak 

 the soil thoroughly. A quart is not too much un- 

 less the ground is very moist. In a few days, they 

 will probably need more water. Shading the 

 plants at first during the middle of the day will 

 keep them from wilting by preventing evaporation 

 from the leayes. If all the young plants are not 

 ready for the open garden at the same time, it may 

 be an advantage. Transplanting a few at a time 

 will lengthen the harvest. With such care in the 

 early growth of the seedlings and in transplant- 

 ing, we should have plants hardy enough to resist 

 unhurt even freezing weather and vigorous enough 

 to produce big, hard, tender heads of sweet cab- 

 bage. 



The subsequent care means tillage and food and 

 water. Continuous growth from seedling to har- 

 vest is most essential. Interrupted stunted growth 

 means poor heads. Few plants are stronger or 

 grow more rapidly than cabbage when cared for. 

 Few are more sensitive to neglect. If growth is 

 checked when the plants begin to head and then 

 started into fresh growth by renewed care, there 

 is danger of cracked heads. Loosening the roots 

 slightly with a spading fork is said to check crack- 

 ing. Steady persistent cultivation, however, is an 



