SEED PLANTING 87 



TRANSPLANTING 



The seeds of some crops cabbage, tomato, let- 

 tuce, for example are planted in window boxes, 

 hot-beds, cold frames or a corner of the field or 

 garden. When the seedlings have developed three 

 or four leaves or have become large enough to 

 crowd one another, they are thinned out or are 

 transplanted into other boxes, frames or plots of 

 ground, or are transplanted into the field or garden. 



The time and method of transplanting depend 

 largely on 



The condition of the plant. 



The condition of the soil. 



The condition of the atmosphere. 



For best results in field planting the plant should 

 be well grown, strong and stocky, with well devel- 

 oped roots and three or four strong leaves. 



The soil should be thoroughly prepared, moist 

 and freshly stirred. A moist day just before a light 

 shower is the best time. These conditions being 

 present, the plants are carefully lifted from the seed 

 bed with as little disturbance of the roots as possi- 

 ble and carried to the field or garden. Some plants, 

 like cabbage, will stand considerable rough treat- 

 ment, while others, like the eggplant, require greater 

 care. 



In the field or garden a hole is made for each 

 plant with the hand, a stick or dibber or any con- 

 venient tool, the roots of the plant are carefully 

 placed in it and the soil is pressed about them. If 



