Growing Earlx Plants 



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found, and placing sand around the plant when set. We tind that 

 a better method of prevention is by covering all seeds with a fine, 

 sharp sand, instead of covering with the same soil. This gives a 

 very quick and proper drainage. Since adopting this method, 

 seldom, if ever, is a plant found diseased. Care should be taken to 

 keep the surface quite moist until the plants have broken the 

 ground. Then the time has arrived when the work must be 

 thoroughly looked after — that not an hour passes but what the 

 small plants grow. Give plenty of heat and ventilation but avoid 

 heavy draughts directly upon the plants. 



Fig. 379. — Simplest Form of Manure Hotbed. The Frame is 

 Placed on a Pile of Fermenting Manure 



TRANSPLANTING 



Transplanting is a very important part of the work. Plants 

 should first be set when the third leaf appears and should be 

 evenly spaced so that all will have an equal chance for develop- 

 ment of the root system. A plant without roots is worthless. 

 Some fear the cutting of any roots, and thus advocate potting 

 plants instead and shifting from time to time as growth advances; 

 but we find the cutting of roots by transplanting several times 

 produces a plant capable of feeding more rapidly, and one which 

 will produce more fruit. 



