Tomatoes. 345 



Some growers prefer two stems to their open-air Tomato 

 plants, in which case one-third less plants and one-third less 

 protective appliances would be needed for a given area. When 

 this method is to be followed the top of each plant should be 

 pinched out during transplanting, to cause two stems to break 

 away. If more than two branches show they should be re- 

 moved as soon as seen, as also should any side branches on 

 either double or single-stemmed plants, so as to concentrate all 

 the strength of the plant in the main stems. 



Having made the necessary provision for protection, the 

 plants are lifted very carefully, with as much root and soil as 

 possible, and set out, very firmly, 4in. apart, in other boxes, 

 which are at once placed in the frames. The soil should be 

 similar to that used before, except that the sand and decayed 

 manure should be only one-eighth each of the whole instead of 

 one-quarter. It does not need sifting, but should be well mixed 

 and chopped over until there are no pieces larger than a small 

 walnut. It should be in a moist condition, so that no watering 

 will be needed for several days after transplanting until the 

 roots begin to work. Then water must be given cautiously, 

 remembering that to keep the soil in a sodden state is sure to 

 make the roots rot and so cause serious mischief, although, on 

 the other hand, copious supplies must be given when the plants 

 are growing freely, as then the boxes dry out quickly, especially 

 under a hot sun. 



Planting Out. By the end of May the plants are fine sturdy 

 specimens, thick-set and hard, about 7in. or Sin. high ; in fact, 

 just in the condition in which Tomato plants for the open-air 

 ought to be. There should be no hurry about planting out ; if 

 the weather is warm and appears settled at the beginning of 

 June the work may then be begun, but it is best to defer it for 

 a week, or even a fortnight, rather than plant out when the 

 ground is cold and the wind harsh and biting. The soil in the 

 boxes will by this time be filled with roots. The day before 

 planting, cut the soil into square blocks by passing a sharp 

 knife both ways between the plants to the bottom of the box ; 

 then water thoroughly. Each plant will now lift out with its 

 roots practically ' intact and carrying a mass of soil ; it can 

 therefore be planted out without getting any appreciable check; 



