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THE BEGINNER'S GARDEN BOOK 



very much object to having their roots disturbed. If trans- 

 planted, they either will be very slow in starting again, or 

 will die. We must therefore plan to sow them where they 

 are to remain; that is, they should be put into something- 

 which can be set right into the open garden. 



For this a flower pot will not do, as it has but a small hole 

 in the bottom for the roots to escape by. We might try to 

 take the ball of earth out of the pot, yet there is much danger 



Fig. 68. — Melon plants in two- and three-inch pots, and on old sod. 

 sod is better. These all need thinning to one plant. 



The 



of disturbing the roots ; for these great hairy things, if 

 once they get to the pot (and get there they will, if they 

 can) cling so firmly to the earthenware that it is difficult 

 to dislodge them without injury. After a few experiments, 

 therefore, I have not used pots for cucurbits any more. Some 

 persons take an old sod, turn it upside down, and, scooping 

 out the center, put in good planting earth. Or some take 

 an old tomato can, with neither top nor bottom, fill it with 

 earth, and put in the seed. In this case a trowel or thin 

 board must be slipped under the can whenever it is moved. 



