96 VEGETABLE GARDENING. 



spring. The best dates on which to sow will vary 

 somewhat in different localities. But the aim should 

 be to avoid sowing too early, thus producing over- 

 grown plants that would be liable to run to seed the 

 following season, or, on the other hand, too late 

 sowing and weak plants that will not survive the 

 winter, or, if they do survive, will be unfit for planting 

 at the proper time. 



In spring, onions may be sown thinly in boxes 

 under glass early in February, and be grown on 

 near the glass in a moderate temperature for April 

 planting ; or sow about the same time in a cold 

 frame. In either case the plants must be well 

 hardened off before planting out. Failing facilities 

 of this kind, it is necessary in the north to purchase 

 plants so raised. In the southern counties, however, 

 good results are obtained by sowing out of doors in 

 spring and in the ground where the crop is to mature. 



How to Sow. When sowing in August the seed- 

 bed should be tramped firm and then raked level. 

 Sow in shallow drills 8 inches apart, and allow the 

 plants to stand, without thinning, until planting in 

 spring. When sowing outside in spring where the 

 crop is to mature, consolidate the soil by tramping 

 or rolling, afterwards rake the surface, and sow in 

 shallow drills 8 to 10 inches apart. Cover in the seed, 

 and as soon as the young plants appear, hoe between 

 the rows to loosen the surface soil. Later, when the 

 plants are strong enough, thin to 6 or 7 inches apart. 



Transplanting. The ground should be firmed and 

 raked level for transplants, on the above lines. 

 When transplanting from seed-bed, frame, or box, 

 water the plants thoroughly a few hours before lift- 



