GROWING EARLY VEGETABLE PLANTS UNDER GLASS 155 



amount of moisture. See that the soil is pressed firmly 

 in the corners and along the sides. With a straight-edge, 

 make furrows ij^ to 2 inches apart and ^4 -inch deep, the 

 first row being about y*. inch from the end of the flat. 

 The rows should be parallel and neatly made. With an 

 envelope, distribute seed at the rate of about 12 to the 

 inch. Close furrows in the most convenient way; firm 

 the soil with a block ; water and place in the proper tem- 

 perature. Fifty to 60 degrees Fahrenheit provides the 

 best conditions for lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower, while 



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VHP 



FIG. 41. FLAT OF CABBAGE SEEDLINGS 



70 to 80 degrees is better for tomato and other tender 

 vegetables. Figure 41 shows a flat of cabbage seedlings. 

 A flat of this size should produce about 1,000 plants. 



215. Care of seedlings. Proper temperatures must be 

 provided for the growing seedlings. If- too high, the 

 plants will be spindly, soft and tender. Some fresh air 

 should be admitted to the hotbed or the greenhouse every 

 day. Water must not be used too freely, for excessive 

 watering and high temperatures are certain to produce 

 weak plants. Apply water in the morning, if possible, 

 and try to have the foliage dry at night to avoid damp- 

 ing-off fungi. 



216. Transplanting. Some growers begin transplant- 

 ing a few days after germination, but it is generally 



