S0LANACB0U8 CROP PROJECTS 49 



convenient and have so many advantages that gardeners who 

 have once used them do not care to grow plants without them. 

 One of the greatest advantages is that all of the work of seed sow- 

 ing and transplanting of the seedlings can be done in a warm, com- 

 fortable room, regardless of weather conditions, and then the 

 flats may be quickly conveyed to the hotbed or cold frame. When 

 the plants are ready for the field or garden, it is again convenient 

 to place the flats on a vehicle and transport them to the area where 

 the plants are wanted. 



Any kind of thin lumber may be used in making flats. Chest- 

 nut is very durable and with proper care the flats will last several 

 years. Many gardeners make flats from various kinds of wooden 

 boxes that may be obtained from retail merchants. Flats should 

 be made of such dimensions that they will fit in the hotbed or cold 

 frame with practically no loss of space. They are usually 2 to 3 

 inches deep ; the length and width are extremely variable, though 

 16x111 is a convenient size. 



Flats when not in use should be kept under cover. They should 

 be looked over annually and repaired whenever they need atten- 

 tion. 



1. Do you intend to use flats in starting your early tomato plants? 



2. What are the advantages of flats? W-VG : 152. 



3. What kind of lumber may be used in making flats ? 



W-VG: 152. 



4. What should be their dimensions for use in your hotbed and 



cold frame ? 



5. How many flats will be required to start your tomato plants? 



