248 



CROPS THAT REQUIRE TRANSPLANTING 



are started rather late in a hotbed or a coldframe, from which they 

 are transplanted directly to the field while still quite small, usually 

 being set with a dibber or a spade. They are cultivated entirely 

 by machinery, and are never staked or tied. 



Picking. — The method of picking and handling a crop of toma- 

 toes depends upon the purpose for which it is grown. If intended 

 V ' for home use, local market or 



' ■ *- 4% 



canning, the fruits are allowed 

 to fully mature upon the vines; 

 if for distant shipment, they are 

 picked as soon as they begin to 

 color. 



Care should be taken in the 

 picking and handling of toma- 

 toes to avoid bruising or other- 

 wise injuring the fruits. If the 

 stems are not removed at the 

 time of picking they are likely to 

 puncture the riper specimens. 

 Adaptation of Varieties. — 

 There are many varieties of 

 tomatoes, and the purpose for 

 which the crop is to be grown 

 will be an important factor in 

 determining which variety it is 

 best to plant. Personal prefer- 

 ence serves as the chief guide in 

 the selection of a variety for 

 home use. It matters not 

 whether the variety is large 

 or small, wrinkled or smooth, 

 red, purple or yellow, so long as 

 it satisfies the personal tastes 

 of the grower. In the local 

 markets there is usually not 

 much discrimination in favor of particular varieties. However, 

 in a large city market, certain kinds sell much better than others, 

 and the kind should be grown which sells best in the particular 

 market that is to be supplied. For canning purposes, any large, 

 smooth, heavy-meated tomato is usually acceptable, though some 

 factories specify particular varieties in their contracts. 



phuit pruned to 

 stem, and supported by 



stake. 



single 



