32 GARDEN PROFITS 



Tobacco dust was applied until they began to 

 grow rapidly. When the vines were 18 inches high 

 the main stem was tied loosely to the netting and 

 thereafter once a week the vines were pruned and 

 tied up. No attempt was made to confine the vines 

 to a single stem; they were allowed to branch 

 moderately and fill the 1 8-inch space allotted to 

 each. In height they grew about a foot above 

 the top of the netting, and then were stopped 

 by pruning. 



The rows ran north and south, and about half 

 the foliage was removed to admit sunlight. The 

 leaves were allowed to remain in the rows as a mulch. 

 After the plants began to grow vigorously cul- 

 tivation was discontinued for fear of injuring the 

 root system. After the last cultivation the space 

 between the rows was covered with grass cuttings 

 and boards, which prevented the compression of 

 the soil, by walking. In times of drought a gallon 

 of water per week was given each plant, care being 

 taken to wet as little as possible of the ground 

 surface. 



The crop was so large that, besides supplying a 

 surplus over daily consumption, it resulted in ninety- 

 five quart jars of canned fruit, and a generous 

 provision of sweet pickle. There were counted 

 eight hundred fruits, averaging half a pound 

 apiece. The largest weighed 18 ounces. The most 

 convenient size for canning is 12 ounces, for the 

 table 6 ounces. It may be of interest to state that 

 in canning, 42 ounces of unpeeled tomatoes are 

 required to fill a quart jar. 



