Seed Beds. 33 



this oiled sheet is kept on, it will pj-oduce almost as much 

 heat as glass. The same precaution against high temper- 

 ature should be used as in the case of sash. It is well to 

 have a lot of grass or hay handy, and in case of severe 

 cold, this should be piled on the sheet to the depth of 

 twelve inches. By this method, I have saved the tender- 

 est plants at a temperature of 17 degrees, and I believe 

 it would save them as low as 14. Eemember all plants 

 need all the sunshine possible, and should be uncovered 

 every two days and let them have sun. The ground 

 should be frequently stirred also, in order to admit the air 

 to the roots. The ground should be kept sufficiently moist 

 to insure healthy growth, but in case of peppers and egg- 

 plant, should be kept as dry as possible consistent with 

 steady growth. These directions apply to the growing of 

 tender plants and are not necessary in growing such plant3 

 as lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, etc. In growing these tliL 

 cloth may be used without oil, and a smaller quantity of 

 stable manure used. In many sections this class of 

 plants can be grown in the open, however with some risk 

 of being killed. No plant while in this seed bed should 

 be stimulated into rapid growth. You should endeavor 

 to maintain a steady, healthy growth and keep the soil 

 well stirred to insure an abundant root growth. If the 

 plants should cease growing and become stunted, a light 

 application of nitrate of soda and a little watering will 

 put them in shape. In selecting the seed bed, care should 

 be taken to destroy cutworms before planting, and it 

 should not be planted on any land that has been planted 

 in the same vegetables for several years previous. New 

 soil is preferable. 



