How to Grow Plants from Seeds 191 
change from the warm air of the hotbed or greenhouse 
to the open air may so injure the tender plant that its 
growth will be checked for days. As the warmer weather 
approaches and the plants that are being grown in flats 
become larger, they should be exposed to the open air 
for longer periods each day. Finally, they may be left 
uncovered, even throughout the night. Shortly before 
the plants are to be placed in the garden, flats may be 
left without any other protection except that of near-by 
buildings which keep off the winds. During the period of 
hardening, the plants should be rather sparsely watered, 
but care should be taken to prevent them from becom- 
ing wilted; their growth must not be checked in any 
way. 
Transplanting to the garden. Water the flats contain- 
ing the plants thoroughly, at least an hour before the work 
is to begin. This allows the cells of the plant to become 
well filled with water, and it causes soil to adhere to the 
roots. Dig well under the plants, breaking the roots 
as little as possible. Reset a plant immediately, before 
it has time to wilt. Make a suitable hole with a trowel, 
set the plant somewhat deeper than it formerly grew, 
completely fill in about the roots with fine soil, and 
gently firm the soil about the roots. Be sure that the 
soil is carefully filled in so that no “ air pockets” are 
left about the roots. In the school garden or in the home 
garden there are usually so few plants to be transplanted 
that one can afford to take time to do the work well. 
Water the plants by applying small amounts in a fine 
spray at intervals of a few minutes, so that the water 
sinks into the soil without any puddling. 
