CROPS GROWN FOR FRUIT OR SEED PARTS 113 



to other flats and are later " hardened off" in coldframes 

 or in the open. Finally when two or three months old, 

 the plants are transplanted to the field. In warmer parts 

 of the country, the seeds are sown in flats and the seedlings 

 transferred to the open as soon as they can be safe from 

 frosts. If planted deeply they resist drought well, because 

 of the number of roots formed and the depth to which the 

 lower roots reach. 



The tomato frequently tends to grow branches and foliage 

 at the expense of the fruit. This may be prevented by pinch- 

 ing off the terminal bud of the main stem and by limiting the 

 supply of water. To secure the best results, the plants should 

 be grown slowly, but should not be checked too suddenly in 

 their growth. The vines are frequently tied to stakes to keep 

 the fruit off the ground and prevent decay. Tomato plants 

 are sometimes pruned to single stems. Such individuals 

 yield larger fruit and mature earlier than if allowed to grow 

 in their natural manner. 



Young tomato plants are frequently troubled with cut- 

 worms. Paper collars placed in the soil prevent the cutworms 

 from obtaining access to the plants at the surface. Poisoned 

 bran mash is also a good means of control. The most trouble- 

 some disease is the fusarium-wilt. The remedy is rotation of 

 crops. It is also important that the soil be changed from year 

 to year in the flats in which the young plants are grown, as the 

 continuous use of the same soil is likely to spread the disease. 



184. Cucurbitous crops include cucumbers, gherkins, 

 melons, pumpkins, squashes, and the like. All require a 

 warm climate and are easily injured by frost. 



185. Cucumbers are used in the green state, for immediate 

 consumption or for pickling. When too ripe for these pur- 

 poses, they are edible when cooked. They require an abun- 

 dance of moisture. They are commonly grown from seed, 

 and are planted in hills about four feet apart, in rows six feet 

 apart. The vines cover so much ground that care should be 



