126 



Nature-Study Agriculture 



Starting 



tomato 



plants 



raised in the garden while a crop like celery or cabbage 

 is being prepared in the hotbed. This second crop can 

 be transplanted as soon as the first is out, thus economiz- 

 ing in the use of land. Third, the young plants can be 

 better and more easily cared for in a small seed bed than 

 in the open garden. Fourth, transplanting causes a 

 better root system to form (Fig. 104) . The broken roots 

 branch more freely, just as a rose stalk, the tip of which 

 has been pinched off, will immediately send out side 

 branches along its whole length. 



Tomatoes. Late in March or early in April tomato 

 seed may be planted in a hotbed or in a house that is 

 heated. The plants will be ready to remove to the 

 garden in May or as soon as danger of frost is past. 



While still in the hotbed they should be transplanted 



U. S. D. A. 



FIG. 104. At the left are the roots of transplanted celery ; at the right are 

 the roots of celery that was not transplanted. 



