PRINCIPLES OF GARDENING 



381 



seeds sown under glass, with the exception of celery, which should barely 

 be covered. After the seeds are sown, the furrows may be closed quickly 

 by drawing a small pot label or the thumb and index finger along the 

 rows. The soil should be firmed with a block and thoroughly watered. If 

 possible, the soil should be made so moist that no additional watering 

 will be necessary until the plants are up. 



Some fresh air should be admitted to the hotbed or greenhouse daily, 

 unless the weather is unusually severe. This is essential to strong, stocky 

 plants. High temperatures and excessive moisture, both in the soil and 

 atmosphere, are conducive to the growth of weak, spindling plants which 

 are liable to damp off, and if they do not die, are very tedious to transplant. 

 A safe rule is not to water unless it is absolutely necessary and then to 

 water thoroughly. If the flats are in hotbeds and the 

 weather is severe, it will be necessary to protect the plants 

 at night by means of mats those made of rye straw being 

 the most satisfactory. 



In three to five weeks from sowing cabbage and many 

 other vegetables the seedlings will be large enough to trans- 

 plant. This operation may be performed any time after 

 the rough or true leaves make their appearance. Soil such 

 as has been described for seed sowing will be found satisfac- 

 tory for this purpose. The flats or shallow plant boxes 

 are also exceedingly useful receptacles in which to care for 

 the plants until they are taken to the field. It is desirable 

 to place about an inch of rotten manure in the bottom of 

 the flat before filling it with soil. The soil should be 

 moist enough to work well, and it is important to press it 

 well along the sides and in the corners of the boxes. 



Cabbage, lettuce and other plants are set from an inch 

 and one-half to two inches apart. If they are to be kept 

 in the flats for an unusual length of time, more space should 

 be allowed. The work of transplanting may be done rapidly by the use 

 of a small, pointed stick, often called a dibble. This simple tool is used 

 to make the holes as well as to press the soil against the small roots of the 

 plants. Sometimes transplanting boards, with holes bored in check rows, 

 are used, and then a dibble is employed to punch all the holes before any 

 plants are dropped. This method provides for a uniform number of 

 plants to each box. 



If the soil is just moist enough to work well during the transplanting, 

 it will not be necessary to apply any water until the plants are well estab- 

 lished. This is a great advantage, especially if the plants are placed in 

 cold-frames and the weather is very severe. 



After the plants have been in the cold-frame from several days to a 



A Dibble. 1 



(One-fifth actual 

 size.) 



Very handy for 

 making holes 

 in which toset 

 small plants. 



i Courtesy of New York State College of Agriculture, Ithaca, N. Y. 

 Vol. II. 



From Cornell Reading Courses, 



