TRANSPLANTING 



147 



Previous to transplanting into the field, it is a great 

 advantage to allow the plants to become dry a day or so 

 before and then water thoroughly just before the shift 

 is made. Late tomato plants, grown in the open ground, 

 are sometimes pulled, allowed to wilt and then sprinkled 

 before they are planted in the field. All plants should 

 be lifted with care, retaining as much soil as possible. 

 Figure 38 shows a cabbage plant removed from the flat. 

 With such a body of compost adhering to the roots there 

 will be little check in growth. The flats are distributed 

 over the field at convenient intervals. Boys may be em- 

 ployed to drop the plants. To remove them the flat is 



FIG. 38. CABBAGE PLANT READY 

 FOR TRANSPLANTING 



placed on edge, lifted and jarred on the ground hard 

 enough to make the soil or manure separate from the 

 bottom of the flat. After taking out a plant or two in 

 the corner, each may be removed with a liberal quantity 

 of soil clinging to the roots. Puddling the roots, i. e., 

 dipping them in thick, muddy water before planting is 

 an advantage when they are stripped. It is an advantage 



