80 VEGETABLE GROWING PROJECTS 



Long Purple. The last-named variety is very early and suitable 

 for cultivation under conditions which would be most unfavorable 

 for the later larger-fruited sorts. 



1. How do eggplants vary in size, color, shape, and earliness ? 



W-VG : 339. L : 252. C : 260-261. 



2. What varieties do you think it will be best for you to grow ? 



W-VG : 339. C : 260-261. Seed catalogues. 



4. Starting plants. — Eggplants are started and handled very 

 much in the same manner as tomato plants, but they require at 

 least 10 degrees higher temperature in order to insure rapid 

 growth. The plants cannot be cared for satisfactorily in cold frames 

 and unless a greenhouse is available it is necessary to have 

 two hotbeds, one for the germination of the seed and care of the 

 very young plants, and the other, inade about four weeks later, 

 to accommodate the plants after they have been removed from the 

 seed bed. The seed is ordinarily sown from March 1 to 15 and the 

 plants are often shifted to pots before they are taken to the field. 



1. What equipment is needed to start the plants ? W : 43-58. 



2. When should the seed be sown? 



W-VG: 341. L:251. C:261. 



3. What temperature is required ? 



W-VG: 341. L:251. C:261. 



5. Preparing the soil. — The greatest care should be taken in 

 preparing the soil for eggplants. There should be no doubt about 

 the soil having an abundance of vegetable matter and available 

 plant food. 



1. How should the soil be prepared for eggplants? 

 W:79. W-VG: 342. C:261. 



