377 



Seeds may be sown at any time in pots or shallow pans filled with 

 a light porous soil and placed in a shady position. The method to be 

 followed in preparing the pots or pans is as follows: — 



Place broken pots c^r crocks as they are called, to the depth of 

 one inch in the bottom of the pot or pan, cover these with some fairly 

 rough material such as the residue of soil which is unable to pass 

 through the ^" sieve, removing all pieces of wood ; take equal propor- 

 tions of loam and leaf-mould and add to it some sand ; mix all well 

 together, pass as much as possible through the ^" sieve. Fill the 

 pot or pan to of an inch from the rim, do not press the soil firmly, 

 obtain a level surfcice using the base of another pot, or better still a 

 piece of wood cut to the size and shape of the pot or pan. Water 

 thoroughly and allow the soil to settle. About an hour after water- 

 ing the soil will have settled sufticiently to allow the sowing of the 

 seed to take place. The seed does not require a heavy covering of 

 soil, a slight sprinkling being sufficient. As soon as the seedlings 

 appear, remove the pans to a light, airy position and avoid heavy 

 waterings, it being better to steep the pan in a bucket of water rather 

 than water the tender seedlings overhead. In a few days the second 

 Ic'if will appear and now is tlie ti;r.e to c )mm :nce thinning out or 

 prickiHg off. An old yet trite saying aptly comes in here and that is 

 sow thinly and thin quickly. 



Prick off into pans leaViiig about an inch between each plant and 

 place in a sunny, airy spot. They may be covered with a sheet of 

 glass with advantage. 



As is probably well known tomatoes may be either grow^n in pots 

 or planted out in the open in prepared ground. It must now be 

 decided what method is to be adopted. If they are to be planted out, 

 then pot off singly into 3 inch pots when the seedlings are 2 inches 

 in height, using a slightly coarser compost. 



If it is intended that they are to fruit in pots then I would advise 

 the placing of three seedlings, equal distances apart, in a 5 or 6 inch 

 pot. 



When those intended for planting out are about 6 inches to I foot 

 in height they will require to be removed to their permanent quarters, 

 the ground having been well prepared beforehand, a liberal supply of 

 well-decayed cowmanure and where possible a little lime being added 

 to the soil, those will require similar treatment to the onesgrou n in 

 pots as far as regards staking, thinning, and perhaps watering. When 

 the roots of those placed in 5 inch pots are appearing round the sides 

 of the pots in fair numbers remove the three plants into a 10 or 12 

 inch pot or even an empty kerosine tin taking care to disturb the 

 roots as little as possible. A much coarser compost can be used in 

 this the final potting, and also the soil can be made rather firm. 



