THINNING OF PLANTS 51 



give some aid : Water only when the ground seems to need 

 it is an excellent rule. But this rule can only be followed 

 by one with some experience, because this is the only way the 

 need can be definitely known. Seed, as well as seedlings, are 

 often injured by too much watering. It is not well to apply 

 water too often, but rather to let the plant feel the need of 

 moisture by slightly wilting. 



The best time to water is between sunset and sunrise, and 

 the seedlings should usually be watered in the early part of 

 the day before the sun appears. This is important, because 

 as a rule if the plants go through the night in a damp condition 

 they are more subject to the attack of diseases. A damp 

 atmosphere with a wet soil will be a combination that only 

 the hardiest seedlings can stand if long continued, and a 

 saturated condition of the air and soil, especially if accom- 

 panied by undue heat, surely invites the attack of the damp- 

 ing-off fungus. Single copious waterings are much better 

 than several scanty sprinklings. Frequent sprinklings cause 

 the surface to become crusted and hard, while the roots may 

 be suffering from thirst. Moreover, such watering brings the 

 tender roots to the surface, which is an undesirable condition. 

 As soon as the soil dries sufficiently after watering it should 

 be cultivated and a dust mulch maintained. This introduces 

 air and liberates plant food, which stimulates plant growth. 

 The appearance of mould on a seed-bed is a sure sign that the 

 soil is too wet. Tall, spindling seedlings with light green 

 foliage indicates too much water and too high a temperature. 

 Watering must not be applied to the seedlings forcibly, since 

 it has a tendency to wash them out of the soil as well as 

 causing a crust to form, both of which are extremely detri- 

 mental to the production of good plants. 



Thinning of Plants. — After planting seed of many crops 

 it is usually found that more have grown than can be allowed 

 to stand, and that the process of thinning will have to be 

 practised in order to reduce the number. Such thinning can 

 be made of great value if properly done, since it is a most 

 excellent means of practising plant selection. The poorest 

 and the weakest seedlings should always be pulled out and 

 discarded, and only those plants which have good vitality 

 should be retained and permitted to grow. 



