Starting the Plants 



89 



results have convinced me that the extra trouble 

 is well worth while. Of the early cabbage and cauli- 

 flower, not two plants in a thousand have dropped 

 out. 



Ordinarily about one hundred plants are put in a 

 13 X 19 inch flat, but if one has room and is growing 

 only a fev/ plants for home use, somewhat better 

 plants may be had if fifty or seventy-five are put in. 

 In either case keep the outside rows close to the 

 edges of the flats, as they will have plenty of room 

 anyway. When the flat is completed, jar the box 

 slightly to level the surface, and give a thorough 

 watering at once, being careful, however, to bend 

 down the plants as little as possible. Set the flats 

 close together on a level surface, and, if the weather 

 is bright, shade from the sun during the middle of 

 the day for two or three days. 



From now on keep at the required temperature 

 and water thoroughly on bright mornings as often 

 as the soil in the flats gets on the dry side, as garden- 

 ers say — indicated by the whitening and crusting of 

 the surface. Above all, give all the air possible while 

 maintaining the necessary temperature. The quality 

 of the plants will depend more upon this than any- 

 thing else in the way of care. Whenever the temper- 

 ature allows, strip off the sash and let the plants 

 have the benefit of the rains. A good rain seems to 

 do them more good than any watering. 



